Analog Devices Inc. ADSP-2184NBCA-320

Overview

ADSP-2184NBCA-320 from Analog Devices is a 16-bit fixed-point DSP microcomputer optimized for real-time signal processing in embedded systems. It delivers 80 MIPS sustained performance at 12.5 ns instruction cycle time (1.8 V core), features 4K words of on-chip program RAM and 4K words of data RAM, and supports dual serial ports with hardware companding for voice-band applications.

For engineers reviewing the ADSP-2184NBCA-320 datasheet, ADSP-2184NBCA-320 pinout, ADSP-2184NBCA-320 application, or ADSP-2184NBCA-320 equivalent, key selection criteria include on-chip memory size, 100-lead LQFP package compatibility, ICE-Port™ debug support, and boot-from-byte-memory capability via BDMA port.

Technical Context

The ADSP-2184NBCA-320 implements the ADSP-2100 base architecture with three independent computational units (ALU, MAC, shifter), two dedicated data address generators (DAG1/DAG2), and a zero-overhead loop-capable program sequencer. Its 3-bus architecture enables simultaneous dual operand fetches per instruction cycle, supporting one instruction execution plus one or two data moves, address pointer updates, and computation in a single cycle.

It integrates flexible system interface features including a 16-bit internal DMA port (IDMA), byte-wide DMA (BDMA) for 4 MB external memory access, programmable 16-bit interval timer with prescaler, six external interrupts (including IRQ0–IRQ2 configurable as edge/level-sensitive), and two double-buffered serial ports (SPORT0/SPORT1) with CCITT G.711 A-law/μ-law companding support.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ADSP-2184NBCA-320 is housed in a 100-lead Low-Profile Quad Flat Package (LQFP) with exposed thermal pad, pin 1 marked by dot, and standard 0.5 mm pitch. Pin functions are defined per Analog Devices ADSP-218xN Rev. A datasheet (pages 18–40).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar DSP microcomputer applications.

Compared with ADSP-2184NBCA-320, ADSP-2185NBCA-320 offers quadrupled on-chip memory for complex algorithms while maintaining pin and code compatibility, whereas ADSP-2186NBCA-320 provides a cost-effective 2× memory upgrade without changing PCB layout or toolchain.

Availability

ADSP-2184NBCA-320 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for voice communications terminals, industrial sensor nodes, digital audio modules, and legacy telecom line cards requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for ADSP-2184NBCA-320 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 semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies for precision instrumentation, industrial automation, and communications infrastructure.

The ADSP-218xN product line was designed as a low-power, code-compatible evolution of the ADSP-2100 family, targeting cost-sensitive embedded DSP applications requiring integrated memory, dual serial ports, and ICE-Port™ debug capability in standard LQFP/BGA packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum sustained processing performance of the ADSP-2184NBCA-320?

The ADSP-2184NBCA-320 delivers 80 MIPS sustained performance at a 12.5 ns instruction cycle time when operating at 1.8 V core voltage. This performance level is achieved through single-cycle instruction execution, dual operand fetch capability, and parallel operation of its ALU, MAC, and shifter units - all confirmed in the ADSP-218xN Rev. A datasheet Section "PERFORMANCE FEATURES".

Does the ADSP-2184NBCA-320 support hardware-based audio companding?

Yes, the ADSP-2184NBCA-320 supports hardware A-law and μ-law companding per CCITT Recommendation G.711 in both SPORT0 and SPORT1 serial ports. This feature is implemented in silicon and requires no CPU intervention, enabling efficient voice-band signal processing - as specified in the "SYSTEM INTERFACE FEATURES" and "Serial Ports" sections of the ADSP-218xN Rev. A datasheet.

What package type and pin count does the ADSP-2184NBCA-320 use?

The ADSP-2184NBCA-320 uses a 100-lead Low-Profile Quad Flat Package (LQFP) with 0.5 mm pitch and exposed thermal pad, as documented in the "ORDERING GUIDE" and "LQFP Package Pinout" (page 40) of the ADSP-218xN Rev. A datasheet. It is pin-compatible with other ADSP-218xN family members in the same package variant.

Can the ADSP-2184NBCA-320 boot directly from external byte-wide memory?

Yes, the ADSP-2184NBCA-320 supports automatic booting from byte-wide external memory (e.g., EPROM or Flash) via its Byte DMA (BDMA) port. Upon reset with Mode C = 0 and Mode A = 0, it loads the first 32 program memory words from byte memory space before executing - a capability detailed in Table 2 ("Modes of Operation") and the "SYSTEM INTERFACE" section of the ADSP-218xN Rev. A datasheet.

Is ICE-Port™ debug support available on the ADSP-2184NBCA-320?

Yes, the ADSP-2184NBCA-320 includes full ICE-Port™ emulator interface support, enabling non-intrusive in-circuit debugging in final production systems without requiring dedicated debug pins or trace buffers. This feature is explicitly listed under "SYSTEM INTERFACE FEATURES" and referenced in Figure 1 of the ADSP-218xN Rev. A datasheet.