Ace launches DSP community web site to promote knowledge and endorsement of the DSP-C programming language

San Jose 24 September 2002 As a strategically instrumental developer of the DSP-C language extensions for high-level DSP programming,Amsterdam based ACE Associated Compiler Experts bv has launched a Web site devoted to educating and promoting use of DSP-C. The Web site will initially provide the DSP-C specification, news and events, industry support updates, and comparisons and descriptions for the DSP programming language options. As use of DSP-C continues to grow, the site will expand to include information about the process of the International Standards Organization (ISO) to include the DSP-C specification in the evolving C standard.

In addition to ACE, users and initial industry supporters for the DSP-C language extensions include Adelante Technologies, Atair Software, Ericsson, Japan Novel, Mentor Graphics Corporation, NEC, NullStone, Philips Semiconductors, Siroyan, and Toshiba.

DSP-C extends the standard C-programming language with basic data types that are typically used in Digital Signal Processing algorithms. Compared to standard C, DSP-C enhanced compilers have demonstrated to dramatically improve the efficiency of the generated code, thus removing the necessity of programming time-critical DSP algorithms in assembly.

The DSP-C extensions include support for the following key DSP features:

  • Fixed-point data types that vary both in size and support of guard bits and saturation
  • Flexible memory subsystems
  • Circular buffer capability

In addition to the technical benefits, DSP-C enables DSP developers to write their applications in a more readable, maintainable and portable manner. Regardless of the architecture being used today, code can be recompiled for a different processor in the future. Developers can preserve their investment for their next generation product with minimal work. Furthermore, DSP-C allows the compiler to generate truly efficient DSP code, as it has all necessary information available.

"ACE has always been committed to providing the embedded market the best technology options for compiler development. The Web site solidifies our dedication to DSP-C. We want to continue to expedite its acceptance and understanding among DSP developers", stated Marco Roodzant, vice president of marketing and sales for ACE. "Our close interaction with customers has helped guide our development and direction for these DSP-C extensions. We look forward to continued innovation in this area through ongoing support from the embedded community. We hope that the site becomes a great source of support for developers as well."

ACE has worked closely with DSP industry experts to develop the high-level DSP-C language extensions and aid developers in portability and efficiency for compiler development. The DSP-C extensions have received great adoption and are currently awaiting standards approval by the International Standards Organization (ISO). ACE has also announced an agreement with Mentor Graphics to further integrate the XRAY Debugger and DWARF extensions with ACE's CoSy compiler development system to the DSP-C language according to the proposed standard.

The Web site is currently live at http://www.dsp-c.org.

Ad Emmen

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