Analog Devices Inc. ADSP-2186NKST-320

Overview

ADSP-2186NKST-320 from Analog Devices is a 16-bit fixed-point DSP microcomputer optimized for real-time signal processing, featuring 8K words of on-chip program RAM, 8K words of on-chip data RAM, 12.5 ns instruction cycle time (80 MIPS), dual serial ports with hardware companding, and ICE-Port™ debug interface - deployed in audio codecs, telecom line cards, and industrial motor control systems.

For engineers reviewing the ADSP-2186NKST-320 datasheet, ADSP-2186NKST-320 pinout, ADSP-2186NKST-320 application, or ADSP-2186NKST-320 equivalent, key selection considerations include on-chip memory configuration (8K/8K), LQFP-100 package compatibility, 1.8 V core operation with 3.3 V I/O tolerance, and boot-from-byte-memory capability via BDMA port.

Technical Context

The ADSP-2186NKST-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 program sequencer supporting conditional jumps and nested loops. It executes all instructions in a single 12.5 ns cycle and supports dual operand fetches per cycle via 3-bus Harvard architecture.

Its system interface includes a 16-bit internal DMA port (IDMA) for transparent access to on-chip RAM, an 8-bit byte DMA port (BDMA) addressing up to 4 MB external memory, programmable 16-bit interval timer with prescaler, and six external interrupts - with SPORT0 supporting multichannel TDM (24/32-word) and SPORT1 configurable as dual IRQ pins (IRQ0/IRQ1) plus FI/FO flags.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ADSP-2186NKST-320 is housed in a 100-lead Low-Profile Quad Flat Package (LQFP) with exposed thermal pad, pin pitch 0.5 mm, body size 14 mm × 14 mm. Pinout conforms to ADSP-218xN family standard: PMA/PMD/DMA/DMD buses multiplexed on external address/data lines; dedicated SPORT0/SPORT1 signal groups; PF0–PF12 flag I/O; Mode A–D configuration pins; PWD/PWDACK for power-down control.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ADSP-2186NKST-320, ADSP-2185NKST-320 offers scalable memory headroom within identical packaging and power envelope, while TMS320VC5402PGE provides higher raw throughput at the cost of added BOM complexity and loss of integrated voice-band features.

Availability

ADSP-2186NKST-320 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for voice codec systems, motor control drives, medical ultrasound front-ends, and portable test equipment requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for ADSP-2186NKST-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 leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and DSP technology, headquartered in Norwood, MA, serving industrial, automotive, communications, and healthcare markets since 1965.

The ADSP-218xN series was designed as a low-power, highly integrated 16-bit DSP family targeting cost-sensitive, real-time embedded signal processing applications where on-chip memory, serial interface density, and debug accessibility are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum sustained processing performance of the ADSP-2186NKST-320?

The ADSP-2186NKST-320 delivers 80 MIPS sustained performance at 12.5 ns instruction cycle time under 1.8 V core supply conditions. This is achieved through single-cycle instruction execution, dual operand fetch capability, and zero-overhead looping - enabling deterministic real-time execution of FIR filters, FFTs, and control algorithms without pipeline stalls or memory wait states.

Does the ADSP-2186NKST-320 support automatic boot from external memory?

Yes, the ADSP-2186NKST-320 supports automatic boot from byte-wide external memory (e.g., EPROM or Flash) via its Byte DMA (BDMA) port. When configured in Mode C = 0, it loads the first 32 program memory words from byte memory space before starting execution - eliminating the need for external boot ROM initialization firmware.

Can the ADSP-2186NKST-320 operate with mixed I/O voltage levels?

Yes, the ADSP-2186NKST-320 supports flexible I/O operation at 1.8 V, 2.5 V, or 3.3 V, and all inputs tolerate up to 3.6 V regardless of selected I/O voltage - enabling seamless interfacing with legacy 3.3 V peripherals or modern low-voltage logic without level-shifting circuitry.

How many external interrupts does the ADSP-2186NKST-320 support, and what types are available?

The ADSP-2186NKST-320 supports up to six external interrupts: IRQ2 (edge- or level-sensitive), IRQL0/IRQL1 (level-sensitive), IRQE (edge-sensitive), and IRQ0/IRQ1 (reconfigurable from SPORT1 pins). All are individually maskable except power-down and reset, with priority encoded in hardware and vector addresses fixed per interrupt source.

Is the ADSP-2186NKST-320 pin-compatible with other ADSP-218xN family members?

Yes, all ADSP-218xN series devices - including ADSP-2186NKST-320 - are fully pin-compatible across the LQFP-100 package variant. Differences are limited to on-chip memory size (e.g., ADSP-2184N has 4K/4K, ADSP-2188N has 48K/56K), allowing hardware design reuse and memory-scaling without PCB revision.