Ceva launches CEVA-X

Ceva Inc., formerly known as ParthusCeva Inc., launched its DSP architecture CEVA-X, which is a pioneering approach in DSP architecture that aims to deploy multiple, market-optimized DSP cores to deliver more DSP-addressable applications. CEVA-X features an array of code-compatible DSP and is the first truly compilable DSP architecture, according to the company.

The new DSP architecture highlights several features that enable it to compete with other DSP market players like TI, Analog Devices and Motorola.

CEVA-X combines VLIW and single instruction multiple data (SIMD) architectures. The VLIW architecture enables the combination of multiple instructions in a single execution, therefore improving system performance. VLIW also has a power consumption advantage because the system can afford to run at a slower clock rate because of the multiple instructions in a single command. SIMD, on the other hand, can take multiple data and execute one instruction in all of these data. The advantages in the VLIW and SIMD architectures are both incorporated in CEVA-X.

Entry level CEVA-X1620 delivers twelve times the performance over CevaTeak DSP, Ceva's 16bit general-purpose dual MAC architecture DSP core. CEVA-X's performance is peaked at up to 11 billion instructions per second with a low power dissipation of 0.06mW per million MAC.

The market

Unique scalability is one of CEVA-X's features. After two or three years, customers would want to venture on moving into the next-generation architecture to suit the demands of the market. Accomplishing that would be as easy as editing macros in the software.

CEVA-X also offers configurable computation cluster each composed of dual MAC, logical and arithmetic units and registers; as well as customized memory size and type architecture. It enables software and hardware reusability, allowing companies to re-use architectures in switching into an array of market clusters such as wireless terminals, digital and mobile multimedia, and home entertainment.

"The Asian market is a very important and strategic market for us," Ceva CTO Gideon Wertheizer said. The company is already in collaboration with Mitsubishi Wireless Communications in Japan, and has a strategic partnership with Samsung in South Korea. Ceva also considers Taiwan and China as strategic and growing markets. The company continues to develop partnerships with other firms in the region as well.

Ceva has licensed its technology to over 100 semiconductor and electronic equipment companies worldwide, focused on the wireless, digital multimedia, automotive and networking markets.

- Reden Mateo

Electronic Engineering Times - Asia