TI DaVinci Technology

Jacktang

TI DaVinci Technology [Copy link]

What is Da Vinci Technology?

TI's official website has a detailed introduction to Da Vinci technology. Da Vinci technology is not only a DSP+ARM dual-core architecture SOC chip, it also includes a complete set of software development kits. I think the latter is the core of the technology. Because there are many DSP+ARM processors, the current i.mx27 is one of them. Da Vinci technology includes the following aspects: (from the official website)

DaVinci Software: Interoperable, optimized, production-ready video and audio “standards” codecs that leverage the power of DSPs and integrated accelerators, built into a configurable framework and exposed through published APIs in a popular operating system (Linux) for rapid software implementation.

DaVinci Development Tools/Kits: Complete development systems, reference designs and comprehensive ARM/DSP system-level integrated development environments to accelerate the design and development of all digital video applications.

DaVinci processor: scalable, programmable DSP and DSP-based SOC (system on chip) processors, customized from DSP cores, accelerators, peripherals, ARM processors, optimized to meet the various price, performance and function requirements of digital video terminal equipment.

DaVinci support: System integrators, hardware and software solution providers with DaVinci technology knowledge and video system experts from TI's third-party partner network will help you get your products to market quickly.

For the DaVinci platform, DSP/BIOS is used on the DSP side to support the operation of audio/video algorithms, and MontaVista Linux is used on the ARM side to support the management of peripherals. Codec Engine and Codec Server are used to manage the data exchange between ARM and DSP. In other words, TI takes care of all the data communication from DSP core to ARM core and between the two cores.

Regarding the advantages of Da Vinci technology, here is a very corny description: (also from the official website)

What are the main benefits of DaVinci technology for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)?

DaVinci technology provides OEMs with an easy-to-use integrated digital video platform that supports the development of virtually all digital video applications. DaVinci technology significantly shortens design cycles, reduces development costs and the amount of customization required to produce innovative digital video terminal devices. Standardized codecs and APIs make it easier for OEMs to develop interoperable code that can be used for other DaVinci-based applications, simplifying future development efforts. DaVinci support also includes dedicated development tools, such as development platforms and reference designs, to shorten OEMs' time to market. Integrated DaVinci processors can also significantly reduce the cost of terminal products.

How will consumers benefit from DaVinci technology?

The flexibility of DaVinci technology benefits consumers in many ways, including having fewer separate electronic products in their pockets, greater interoperability and longer life of devices, easier-to-use products with competitive pricing and feature selection, and easier upgrades and longer battery life.

In addition to being currently included in many consumer products we can imagine, Da Vinci technology will have a huge impact on the way consumers live in the near future. Now, by using Da Vinci technology in applications such as machine vision, consumers can see products more realistically, which can help produce products such as advanced security systems, new automotive controls and more sophisticated medical diagnostic tools.

Do I need it?

First of all, its high price makes most manufacturers stay away from it. Embedded things are very cost-sensitive, and only high-end applications will consider Da Vinci technology. HD players, such as Patriot's P8882 and someone else's HD player, also use Da Vinci. Anyway, I don't know much about the application of Da Vinci. Compared with the development board of imx27, the development board of Da Vinci is indeed a bit expensive. Of course, the current project does not require such a high-end processor.

Secondly, from the perspective of the Chinese, technologies like Da Vinci should be used less, otherwise, the "Made in China" label will never be removed. We worked hard to "research" Da Vinci, then stumbled and made the product, and finally hurriedly sold it. However, most of the profits from the entire product were swallowed up by TI. From the "research and development" line to the production line and then to the sales line, the Chinese actually, in fact, are really working for foreign manufacturers! Without core technology, it won't work! The short-sightedness of Chinese companies certainly has its own difficulties, but the "take-it-ism" can't be endless. This "Da Vinci" is indeed a good thing, very excellent, and great, but it's a pity that it's not our own thing. Some people say that the embedded industry provides an opportunity for the Chinese to "catch up" with developed countries in technology, because embedded involves a wide range of aspects, and no country or manufacturer can monopolize it. However, if the upstream of the product is always controlled by foreign companies, embedded will also be a dream for some people. From IP cores to processors to underlying software, from ARM to FPGA, where can Chinese companies gain the upper hand? I thought about it, my current development board is also based on Freescale chips, and the video compression APIs I use are also provided by Freescale. There is no way, I don’t have the technology. The fact is, if you want to come up with a certain technology, you must first understand other people’s stuff. Even if you can imitate it vividly, it is just technology if you copy it to a certain level.

Finally, it is not that easy to learn. The communication between DSP and ARM core requires the use of complex things like Codec Engine and Codec Serve; DSP algorithms are also TI's own standards, such as xDAIS and xDM. Anyway, I am led by TI. For a beginner like me, it is definitely not suitable.