dspVM homepage

DVM	last released version	0.0.2	updated reference manual, howto's
	next version	0.0.2a	more on dvm_sim
simulator	last released version	0.0.2	initial dvm_sim and tools dvmobj, dvmload, dvmrun (a current snapshot)
	next version	0.0.2a	provide more dvmioctl and basic processor core
dvmOS	last released version	0.0.0
	next version	0.0.2a	initial specification
Tools	last released version	0.0.0
	next version	0.0.2a	initial specification

Q: What is dspVM?

The dspVM project aims to

specify a digital signal processor virtual machine, DVM

provide a DVM reference implementation (simulator)

develop a dvmOS operating system

and in time provide supporting tools (compiler, debugger)

Project software is distributed under Free software license GNU General Purpose License (GPL). Similarly project documentation is distributed with Free Documentation License. You must agree the license terms prior to use (else lose all your rights).

Q: What are the different components?

The DVM itself may be compared to a microprocessor. This is described in the DVM reference manual (refer to the dspVM documents). As a product the DVM is a specification. The simulator, dvm_sim, is one possible implementation in software of the DVM. People might provide other implementations. Similarly, the primary bootstrap and operating system is one possible loadable program. Moreover, the Embedded Linux Consortium ELCPS library should be ported to run on the DVM.

Q: Where does it run?

Part of the dvm_sim instruction set simulator is currently provided for Linux/PC. Tools including a bison parser and translator to write object code from DVM assembly source input, and a program loader are provided. The parser successfully processes the examples in chapter 4 of the reference manual. A GNU/Linux program for controlling and inspecting the runtime dvm_sim is begun. Other people may (under Free license) implement the DVM in various ways and it is hoped an implementation on an FPGA will be feasible.

Q: What support is there?

This author can be contacted, but timely support cannot be guaranteed. Third parties may offer paid support, but they cannot charge for the software itself (or must tell you where a Free version can be found i.e. this web page).

Q: What developments are ongoing?

The DVM specification is on-going and in particular the instruction set is being firmed up. The dvm_sim software simulator is being developed, as a Linux kernel module, and the processor core shall evolve. Tools to support the runtime are provided, and dvmrun will be developed.

Q: What does it cost?

The dspVM material is available without charge. I ask if you choose to use it, please visit the World Wide Fund for nature (WWF) and invest in your region if you are able.

dspVM FAQ	dspVM documents	dspVM software
Overview	Reference Manual