Analog Devices Inc. VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT

Overview

VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT from Analog Devices is a floating-license software license enabling full use of VisualDSP++ 5.0 development environment for TigerSHARC® processors on Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Vista. It includes the industry-leading C/C++ compiler, VDK real-time kernel, statistical profiler, background telemetry channel (BTC), and LwIP TCP/IP stack support - all validated for SHARC and TigerSHARC architectures. It targets signal-processing-intensive real-time applications in radar, medical imaging, and high-end audio systems.

For engineers reviewing the VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT datasheet, VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT application, VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT equivalent, or VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT licensing model, this page details its scope of processor support, debug capabilities, compiler features, floating-license deployment constraints, and integration with EZ-KIT Lite evaluation hardware for TigerSHARC-based development.

Technical Context

VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT is a node-locked floating license granting concurrent access to VisualDSP++ 5.0 toolchain exclusively for TigerSHARC processors - not Blackfin or SHARC. It enables full IDE functionality including cycle-accurate simulation, compiled simulation, BTC-enabled runtime inspection, and multiprocessor debugging across TigerSHARC multicore configurations.

The license activates core infrastructure: VDK RTOS kernel with MP messaging, system service library (SSL) abstraction layer, file system service (FSS) for FAT media, and LwIP TCP/IP stack porting support - all confirmed compatible with ADSP-TS201, ADSP-TS202, and ADSP-TS203 TigerSHARC devices per Analog Devices documentation.

Key Specifications

Availability

VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for radar signal processing, medical ultrasound beamforming, high-speed data acquisition, and industrial real-time control systems requiring stable component supply and long-term toolchain continuity.

Supply support for VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies for precision, industrial, communications, and automotive markets.

VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT belongs to the CROSSCORE® Tools product line, designed specifically to accelerate development of TigerSHARC-based embedded systems through integrated compilation, debugging, simulation, and middleware infrastructure.

FAQ

What does the "FLOAT" suffix indicate in VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT?

The "FLOAT" suffix denotes a floating license model for VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT, allowing concurrent use by multiple engineers across a local network via a FlexNet license server. Unlike node-locked licenses, VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT permits dynamic allocation of seats without binding to individual machines - ideal for team-based TigerSHARC development where engineers share access to the full VisualDSP++ 5.0 toolset including compiler, debugger, simulator, and VDK kernel.

Does VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT support SHARC or Blackfin processors?

No, VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT is strictly limited to TigerSHARC processors as defined in Analog Devices' official ordering matrix. It does not activate compiler backends, device drivers, or debug probe support for SHARC or Blackfin families. Separate licenses - VDSP-SHARC-PC-FULL and VDSP-BLKFN-PC-FULL - are required for those architectures. Attempting to target non-TigerSHARC devices with VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT results in toolchain rejection during project build or download.

Can VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT be used with ADSP-TS201, ADSP-TS202, and ADSP-TS203 TigerSHARC devices?

Yes, VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT fully supports ADSP-TS201, ADSP-TS202, and ADSP-TS203 TigerSHARC processors. All documented features - including BTC runtime inspection, statistical profiling, VDK MP messaging, and LwIP TCP/IP stack integration - are validated for these devices in VisualDSP++ 5.0 release notes and application notes. Device-specific startup code wizards and memory map configuration tools are included and functional for all three variants.

Is the VisualDSP++ Kernel (VDK) included with VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT?

Yes, VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT includes the full VisualDSP++ Kernel (VDK) - a royalty-free, real-time operating system kernel optimized for TigerSHARC multicore environments. It provides preemptive scheduling, thread management, semaphores, inter-thread messaging, events, memory pools, and multiprocessor messaging. Configuration is supported via graphical wizards within the IDE, and all VDK APIs are accessible and tested for ADSP-TS201/TS202/TS203 target deployments.

Does VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT include TCP/IP or USB connectivity support for TigerSHARC?

VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT includes LwIP TCP/IP stack support for TigerSHARC - confirmed in Analog Devices' VisualDSP++ 5.0 documentation and example projects. However, USB 2.0 device connectivity is explicitly limited to Blackfin and SHARC processors per official feature matrix; TigerSHARC lacks native USB peripheral support, so USB-related libraries and drivers are not activated or functional under VDSP-TS-PCFLOAT.