Cadence extends Tensilica Vision and AI DSP IP product line

Cadence Design Systems has expanded its Tensilica Vision DSP product family, debuting two new DSP IP cores for embedded vision and AI.

Offering 3.8 tera operations per second (TOPS), the flagship Tensilica Vision Q8 DSP is capable of delivering 2X performance and memory bandwidth compared to the Q7 DSP and energy efficiency for high-end vision and imaging applications in the automotive and mobile markets. The Tensilica Vision P1 DSP has been optimised for always-on and smart sensor applications in the consumer market, providing an energy-efficient solution.

According to Cadence there has been strong customer interest in the Vision Q8 and Vision P1 DSPs, with several evaluations underway.

Based on the similar SIMD and VLIW architecture found in the existing Tensilica Vision DSPs, both DSPs feature an N-way programming model that preserves software compatibility for an easy migration from prior-generation DSPs with different SIMD widths. Like the rest of the Tensilica Vision DSP family, the Vision Q8 and Vision P1 DSPs support the Tensilica Instruction Extension (TIE) language, allowing customers to customise the instruction set. Both DSPs also support Xtensa Neural Network Compiler (XNNC) and the Android Neural Networks API (NNAPI) for neural network support.

In addition, they support more than 1700 OpenCV-based vision library functions, OpenCL and the Halide compiler for computer vision and imaging applications.

Both cores are automotive ready with ASIL B hardware random faults and ASIL D systematic fault certification.

“The sheer number of sensors, as well as demands for higher frames per second and resolution, are driving the need for high-performance vision and AI DSPs that support a variety of data types,” said Sanjive Agarwala, corporate VP and GM of the IP Group at Cadence. “At the same time, the market also needs low-power vision DSPs with entry-level AI support for always-on smart sensor applications. With the introduction of the Tensilica Vision Q8 and Vision P1 DSPs, Cadence offers our customers optimal flexibility and faster time to market with a comprehensive portfolio of vision and AI DSPs from the high end to the low end.”