**ADSP-21160MKBZ-80: A High-Performance SHARC Processor for Demanding Digital Signal Processing Applications**

In the realm of digital signal processing (DSP), where computational throughput, precision, and reliability are paramount, the **ADSP-21160MKBZ-80** stands out as a formidable solution. This member of Analog Devices' renowned SHARC (Super Harvard Architecture) family is engineered to tackle the most computationally intensive tasks across a diverse range of applications, from professional audio and medical imaging to military radar and industrial control systems.

At the heart of this processor lies a **32-bit superscalar core** capable of executing multiple instructions per cycle. Operating at a clock speed of 40 MHz, which delivers a peak performance of **120 MFLOPS (Millions of Floating-Point Operations Per Second)**, the 'MKBZ-80' variant balances high performance with controlled power dissipation. Its single-instruction, multiple-data (SIMD) architecture allows the core's two computational units to process data in parallel, dramatically accelerating complex vector and matrix operations that are fundamental to advanced algorithms like FFTs (Fast Fourier Transforms) and digital filters.

A defining feature of the SHARC architecture is its sophisticated memory system. The ADSP-21160MKBZ-80 integrates a substantial **4 megabits of on-chip dual-ported SRAM**, configured in a Harvard architecture with separate buses for program and data memory. This design eliminates von Neumann bottlenecks, enabling the core to fetch an instruction and two operands simultaneously. The dual-ported nature of the memory allows for concurrent accesses by the internal core and external ports or other devices in a multiprocessing setup, which is critical for maintaining high data throughput.

The processor is exceptionally well-equipped for system expansion and multiprocessing. It includes **integrated I/O peripherals** such as serial ports, a precision clock generator, and an DMA controller that operates independently of the core, streamlining data movement and reducing processing overhead. For building large, scalable systems, its external port supports glueless interconnection with up to six other ADSP-21160 processors, creating a powerful, shared-memory multiprocessing cluster that is ideal for the most demanding high-performance computing (HPC) tasks.

Furthermore, its **low latency interrupt handling** ensures rapid response to real-time events, a non-negotiable requirement in closed-loop control and real-time audio processing. The combination of high-speed computation, efficient memory architecture, and robust I/O capabilities makes the ADSP-21160MKBZ-80 a versatile and reliable workhorse for developers who need to implement complex algorithms without compromising on speed or precision.

**ICGOO**

**D FIND**

A classic powerhouse from the SHARC lineage, the ADSP-21160MKBZ-80 remains a relevant and highly capable choice for engineers designing complex systems that demand robust floating-point performance, efficient multiprocessing, and deep on-chip memory resources.

**Keywords:** SHARC Processor, Floating-Point Performance, On-Chip Memory, Multiprocessing, Digital Signal Processing.