dsp_K homepage

BSP	last released version	0.6.6	26 December, 2000, minor updates, system configuration
API	last released version	0.6.6	26 December, 2000, no updates
Drivers	last released version	0.6.7	16 February, 2001, added EL/IX 4.4 pipe driver
	next version	0.6.8	looking into pthreads
Libraries	last released version	0.6.7	16 February, 2001, added aio (asynchronous i/o)
	next version	0.6.8	looking into pthreads
License	license released	0.5	09 February, 2000

dsp_K News

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Q: What is dsp_K?

The dsp_K software aims to provide developers with a small real-time operating system kernel and libraries suitable for DSPs (Digital Signal Processors). It is an on-going project influenced by Linux and targets an EL/IX profile. The dsp_K documents fully describe both the software and the license (see main links below). Both documents and sources are distributed under license in the spirit of open source. You must agree the license terms prior to use (else lose all your rights).

Q: What are the different components?

The dsp_K software reference model consists of software layers. Layer 1 is a Board Support Package (BSP) library which forms the core of the kernel. The core provides support for tasks, programmable schedulers and a periodic interrupt timer (PIT) used with task scheduling. Layer 2 are separate Application Programming Interface (API) libraries which extend the core functions. A light-weight monolithic API which adds support for inter-task communication (incorporating semaphores and messages) and a process-based API which adds support for communication channels are provided. Layer 3 device drivers (incorporating interrupts) provide for interfacing either to hardware or to higher-layer software functions, like signals. Topmost, layer 4 libraries included with the software provide the EL/IX or POSIX support.

Q: Where does it run?

The software currently runs on Analog Devices 2106x SHARC processors (including the 21065L) and requires AD-Visual DSP tools (CD version 4.0.1 or 4.1.2) and environment for application development. It is possible the whole resulting application can be run within on-chip memory.

Q: What support is there?

The dsp_K software is distributed as open source without any warranty, but in the hope it will be useful. The software can be supported and maintained by an interested user community on the Internet, appropriate newsgroups include comp.dsp and comp.arch.embedded. 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.

Q: What developments are ongoing?

Up to version 1.0 the software is considered under test and people are invited to try it out and assist. Generally, the kernel is aiming for partial POSIX compliance, that is to say those functions appropriate for a DSP. The functions being considered are those identified in the EL/IX documents. The next minor release of dsp_K (version 0.6.8) shall look into pthreads and related functions.

To be done for release 1.0...

In version 0.6.8 much of dsp_K functionality required for release 1.0 is provided, so we would further require:

several people to reproduce a concensus of behaviour for the example programs (testing)

no strong objections to the implementation e.g. POSIX-like specification (correctness)

no strong objections about missing functionality e.g. EL/IX (completeness)

Q: What does it cost?

The dsp_K software is available without charge. But if you choose to use it, please visit the World Wide Fund for nature (WWF) and invest if you are able.

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dsp_K software