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AM3894 VLYNQ and Video port

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: AM3894

1.       I was browsing through the schematics for the Spectrum Digital development board for the AM3894.  In doing so, I noticed that they have implemented a VLYNQ Interface (I haven’t seen one of those in a while).  There is nothing in the device documentation regarding this type of interface and I noticed they implemented it using Reserved pins (RSV 42 – 51).  Is there actually a VLYNQ interface on this part?  If so, it could be useful for communication with additional TI processors or an FPGA (IF I can find one with a core for VLYNQ that has not been discontinued).

2.       I am trying to find more detailed information relating to the video input/output system on this device.  I have read through the information in the technical manual and data sheet, but both seem to only provide a list of features for the interface.  I am looking for more detailed information that can help me get a better idea how I would need to wire things up to arrive at my desired interface.  Is there some other document that I am not finding that provides this level of detail?  My main concern is that, based on what I can find, it looks like the two video ports can be split into two 8-bit inputs per port.  However, it would seem they are designed to handle encoded color video streams (YCbCr).  I am looking to use 8 bit monochrome data and need to know if this can be done.

  • Hello,

    The preliminary schematics used original pin names that included functionality that was proposed for these devices, but that was later dropped from the device spec, like Vlynq.  The pin names and descriptions in the datasheet are the correct ones.  Sorry for the confusion.

    The HDVPSS section of the TRM is being worked on and should be added to the TRM soon.  The video input ports when split support 8-bit YCbCr video data.  I will need to check about supporting 8 bit monochrome data.

    Regards,
    Marc

  • Regarding the video interface, it is critical to my project that I have a good understanding of this aspect of the device as video is an important component of the design.  Any additional information that you can find for me here would be greatly appreciated. 

    Also along those lines:

    1.        Are there plans for an extended temperature and / or High Security version of the TMS320C6A8168

    2.       What does the availability of the TMS320C6A8168 look like?  I assume it is currently sampling, so when should it be expected to be widely available in production quantities?

    Finally, are there any ballpark/worst case power consumption estimates for either of these devices?

  • I will attempt to answer your questions.  Please note that this is a AM389x forum - please try to use the correct forum for C6A816x so the questions are routed to the appropriate persons for a quicker response.

    1. There are plans for extended temp version of TMSC6A8168.  We are currently looking at characterization and yield results to see which speeds of the DSP/ARM we can offer. To qualify for higher temp, parts may be speed-limited to ensure the max power-on-hours in our reliability testing.

    2. We plan to support higher production quantities towards the end of April.

    3. We are still characterizing power estimates based on computer-simulated modeling, but they vary greatly based on use-case (what features are turned on/off, what temperature device is used at, and at what speed each of the cores are running).  We should have a rough range available soon.

    I hope this helps!

    Regards,

    Sonia

  • Sorry for the delayed response.

    8 bit monochrome capture is supported, yes.

    BR,

    Steve

  • I had another quick question on the AM389x processors.  I noticed that they have a real-time clock, but I do not see anything that would indicate that there is a method to keep that clock alive by battery when the system is powered down.  Is there a method to do this or does the RTC only operate when the device is powered?

  • Hello,

    For the AM389x devices if a real-time-clock is needed even when the device is powered off then it has to be present outside of the device.  The RTC module inside of the device does not support RTC operation when the device is powered down, so an external RTC module would be needed for this.  The RTC logic in the device will read the clock info from this external module. 

    Regards,
    Marc