TI has generously decided to release a Linux hosted version of their c54x C and C++ compiler free for use with open source projects. This is an important first step to getting open source codecs running on the DSP of the Neuros OSD, as well as for other projects which make use of TI's DM320 or other products containing a c54x DSP. It's also significant because it represents a new and important level of support for open source from TI.

This is not the complete CCS environment, rather a standalone compiler; what TI calls Code Generation Tools. It's just the compiler, optimizer, assembler, linker. The downside is: there is no debugger. Then again, to use a debugger, you would also need a compatible JTAG, which are usually quite expensive.

The Phase I N3 meeting has been scheduled for Saturday, June 30, 1700UTC. You can read the background for this project in my previous post, here. Be sure to check the comments on that post as well; there are some good ones. Please come with your own ideas for the N3, and what changes to my vision you would like to see.

If you missed the mailing list post, and can't make the meeting, do not be dismayed! Feel free to post or send me your input for the meeting, and I will make sure we include it in the discussions. You also can always check the IRC logs after the meeting to see what you missed.

Background

I have noticed in the discussions recently, that it looks like there isn't a very bright future for the N3. I, like many others in the community, initially got involved with Neuros because of their line of portable audio players, ultimately, the N2. When initial development began on the OSD, there was always the issue of the N3 looming about, with no progress towards it. Instead of moping over the situation, I have a plan on how we can make the N3 a reality.

This represents my vision on how the community can build an N3. It is an initial push in what I consider an interesting direction, intended to instigate thought and stir discussion. It is not the gospel of the N3. This is a pretty big project, and would need community support to be a success.

The first milestone for the ARM/DSP Bridge project has already been achieved, before the Summer of Code has even officially started! In an astounding flash of documentation reading and hacking, Summer of Code student Darchon has code running on the DSP, loaded from the ARM portion of the CPU. This work will remove a barrier currently preventing open source CODECs from running on the DSP. Don't worry, though, there is still plenty of work to be done. A protocol for efficient data transfer will have to be designed, or adapted from a similar project.