Analog Devices Inc. ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A

Overview

ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A from Analog Devices is a 32-bit/40-bit floating-point SHARC® DSP optimized for high-fidelity audio processing, featuring 400 MHz core instruction rate, 2 Mbits of on-chip SRAM, 6 Mbits of mask-programmable ROM, and dedicated audiocentric peripherals including S/PDIF transceiver, 4-channel asynchronous sample rate converter (ASRC), and 16 PWM outputs. It targets automotive infotainment head units requiring real-time FIR/IIR filtering, multi-channel mixing, and secure boot.

For engineers reviewing the ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A datasheet, ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A pinout, ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A application, or ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A equivalent, key selection criteria include SIMD computational throughput (2.4 GFLOPS), ROM-based security with 64-bit JTAG key enforcement, dual-clock-domain architecture (core + I/O processor), and support for 32-bit SDRAM/AMI external memory interfaces.

Technical Context

The ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A implements a dual-processing-element (PEx/PEy) SIMD core with independent ALU, multiplier, shifter, and 40-bit register files per element, enabling parallel execution of identical instructions on distinct data streams. Its enhanced Harvard architecture supports simultaneous 64-bit PM and DM bus transfers plus instruction cache fetch in one cycle.

It integrates two clock domains: a 400 MHz core domain hosting computation and on-chip memory, and a peripheral domain managing DAI (digital applications interface), DPI (digital peripheral interface), S/PDIF, ASRC, and PWM modules via 32-bit IOD0/IOD1 buses. The DAI includes four precision clock generators (PCG), eight serial ports (SPORTs), and flexible signal routing (SRU) for dynamic interconnection of audio peripherals.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A is packaged in a 256-ball BGA_ED (ball pitch: 1.0 mm, body size: 17 mm × 17 mm) with thermal pad exposed on underside for enhanced heat dissipation in high-power audio processing applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-performance audio DSP applications.

Compared with ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A, ADSP-21369KBPZ-3A delivers higher memory bandwidth and extended SDRAM timing control for larger external memory systems, while ADSP-21364KBPZ-3A sacrifices S/PDIF and ASRC capability to reduce cost and power - making the ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A the optimal balance of audio interface richness, computational throughput, and on-chip memory for mid-to-high-tier audio platforms.

Availability

ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, professional audio hardware, and high-end home theater receivers requiring stable component supply, long lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceability.

Supply support for ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Analog Devices, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and DSP technology, headquartered in Norwood, MA, with design centers worldwide and a 50+ year heritage in precision signal processing.

The SHARC® processor family was engineered specifically for computationally intensive, low-latency audio and industrial signal processing - emphasizing SIMD floating-point throughput, flexible I/O routing, and on-chip memory bandwidth over general-purpose CPU features.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A core?

The ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A operates at a maximum core frequency of 400 MHz, delivering a 2.5 ns instruction cycle time and 2.4 GFLOPS peak computational performance. This frequency is achieved using an internal PLL locked to an external reference clock, and it is fully supported across the specified industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C) with appropriate thermal management.

Does the ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A support secure boot and firmware protection?

Yes, the ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A implements ROM-based security that enforces boot exclusively from internal mask-programmable ROM and disables JTAG memory access unless a unique 64-bit key is scanned via the test access port. This prevents unauthorized firmware readout and ensures intellectual property protection in production audio systems.

How many serial audio interfaces does the ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A provide, and what protocols are supported?

The ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A integrates eight synchronous serial ports (SPORTs) supporting I2S, left-justified, right-justified, packed I2S, and μ-law/A-law companding protocols at word lengths from 3 to 32 bits. Each SPORT supports up to four channels, enabling configurations such as 32-channel I2S I/O or 128-channel TDM frames at ≤50 Mbps aggregate data rate.

Can the ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A perform sample rate conversion between different audio sources?

Yes, the ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A includes four independent asynchronous sample rate converters (ASRCs) capable of real-time resampling between arbitrary sample rates (e.g., 44.1 kHz ↔ 48 kHz) with 128 dB SNR performance. These ASRCs operate within the DAI and can be software-routed to accept input from SPORTs, S/PDIF, or IDP and feed output to any compatible peripheral.

What external memory interfaces are available on the ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A?

The ADSP-21368KBPZ-3A provides a 32-bit external port with dual controllers: an Asynchronous Memory Interface (AMI) supporting SRAM, Flash, and EPROM across four banks (14M–16M words/bank), and an SDRAM controller supporting industry-standard SDRAM devices up to 64M words per bank. Both interfaces operate gluelessly with programmable timing parameters.