NXP Semiconductors DSPB56720CAG

Overview

DSPB56720CAG from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a dual-core 24-bit audio DSP engineered for high-fidelity, multi-stream audio processing in automotive and consumer systems. It delivers 200 MIPS per core at 200 MHz internal clock, integrates an External Memory Controller (EMC) for SDRAM expansion, and supports S/PDIF, ESAI, ASRC, and dual SHI interfaces. It is deployed in Blu-ray players, car audio amplifiers, and professional recording equipment requiring Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD decoding.

For engineers reviewing the DSPB56720CAG datasheet, DSPB56720CAG pinout, DSPB56720CAG application, or DSPB56720CAG equivalent, key selection criteria include its 144-pin LQFP package with 0.5 mm pitch, dual-DSP56300 core architecture, EMC interface capability, 1.0 V core / 3.3 V I/O supply scheme, and support for asynchronous sample rate conversion across multiple audio domains.

Technical Context

The DSPB56720CAG implements two independent DSP56300 24-bit cores sharing 64 KB of on-chip RAM (eight 8 KB blocks), with dedicated DMA engines and inter-core communication (ICC) logic enabling tightly coupled parallel execution. Its clock system includes a programmable PLL supporting 200–400 MHz VCO output and configurable dividers to generate core, peripheral, and audio clocks.

It integrates domain-specific peripherals: four Enhanced Serial Audio Interfaces (ESAI_0–ESAI_3) with independent frame sync and clock generators, a Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) transmitter/receiver, an Asynchronous Sample Rate Converter (ASRC) with up to 8 channels, and a 24-bit Host Data Interface (HDI24) for external memory or parallel peripherals - all accessible via the EMC.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 144-pin LQFP, 20 mm × 20 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad (not electrically connected). Compatible with standard reflow profiles for lead-free assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar multi-core audio DSP applications.

Compared with AK4128A and TMS320C6748, the DSPB56720CAG uniquely combines dual 24-bit DSP cores, hardware ASRC, four ESAI ports, and SDRAM-capable EMC in a single automotive-qualified package - enabling full HD audio pipeline implementation without external audio interface or memory controller ICs.

Availability

DSPB56720CAG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, premium A/V receivers, and professional audio recording equipment requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for DSPB56720CAG 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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The DSPB56720CAG belongs to the Symphony™ DSP5672x family, designed specifically for high-performance, low-latency audio signal processing in resource-constrained embedded systems with stringent real-time requirements.

FAQ

What is the core voltage requirement for stable operation of the DSPB56720CAG?

The DSPB56720CAG requires a tightly regulated 1.0 V ±10% (0.9 V to 1.1 V) core supply (VCORE_VDD) for stable operation at 200 MHz. Deviation beyond this range risks timing violations or functional failure. The datasheet specifies maximum core current of 445 mA in Normal mode at 100°C ambient, necessitating proper decoupling and thermal design. Power-on sequencing mandates IO_VDD applied before CORE_VDD to prevent latch-up.

Does the DSPB56720CAG support external SDRAM, and what interface does it use?

Yes, the DSPB56720CAG supports external SDRAM via its integrated External Memory Controller (EMC), accessible through the HDI24 parallel bus (LAD0–LAD23, LCS0–LCS7, LBCTL, etc.). This interface enables direct connection to standard SDRAM chips for program code storage, large audio buffers, or FIR coefficient tables - a key differentiator from the pin-compatible DSP56721, which omits the EMC entirely.

How many independent audio serial interfaces does the DSPB56720CAG provide?

The DSPB56720CAG provides four independent Enhanced Serial Audio Interfaces (ESAI_0 through ESAI_3), each with dedicated frame sync, clock, and data lines. Each ESAI supports full-duplex I²S, left-justified, right-justified, or custom protocols with programmable word length (8–32 bits) and sample rates up to 192 kHz - enabling simultaneous connection to multiple DACs, ADCs, or digital audio transceivers without time-division multiplexing compromises.

What is the function of the Asynchronous Sample Rate Converter (ASRC) in the DSPB56720CAG?

The ASRC in the DSPB56720CAG performs real-time, jitter-tolerant sample rate conversion across up to eight independent audio channels. It accepts input streams at arbitrary rates (e.g., 44.1 kHz Bluetooth, 48 kHz HDMI, 96 kHz tuner) and outputs synchronized to a common master clock - eliminating external SRC ICs and reducing system latency. Its hardware implementation ensures deterministic conversion without CPU intervention.

Is the DSPB56720CAG pin-compatible with any other devices in the DSP5672x family?

The DSPB56720CAG is pin-compatible with the DSP56720 variant in the same 144-pin LQFP package but is not pin-compatible with the DSP56721 - even in its 144-pin version - due to differences in peripheral mapping (e.g., HDI24 vs. host interface signals) and absence of EMC signals on DSP56721. Board designs must verify pin assignments against Figure 3 (DSP56720) in the official datasheet DSP56720EC Rev. 5.