>
> I also like the Firewire idea (also I do not know enough about latency
> problems). 400MBit/s -> 50MB/s. This should be enough for 136 32bit
> channels @ 96kHz:
>
> ([400/8]*1024*1024) / (96000*4) = 136.53
> - communictaion overhead ...
>
> But something between 16 and 32 channels should be enough for the
> beginning.
I also have no experience with firewire, but it is indeed a nice idea.
It actually comes down to the same thing as making a PCI board with breakout
box. You would put a DSP on the board and interface to the breakout box
using
SPI or IēS or something like that.
The only drawback could be latency. I don't know what the latency issues are
with firewire cards. I guess it depends on the controller used. Anyone any
experience?
After quick skimming of some firewire specs I'm getting pretty exited about
the idea. Let me summarize what I found:
(from TI docs)
Features
Real-time data transfer for multimedia applications
100, 200, and 400 Mbps data rates for high speed applications in cable
environments
25 and 50 Mbps data rates for backplane environments
Live connection/disconnection without data loss or interruption
Automatic configuration supporting plug and play
Free network topology allowing branching and daisy-chaining
Guaranteed bandwidth assignments for real-time applications
especially the first and the last points are exciting.
I'd rather see some numbers instead of 'real-time' etc, but I assume it
will be good enough.
Now on to finding how to interface with a DSP...
Pieter
PS: firewire is a nice option for laptop users too, my father bought a Dell
lattidude C810, and
it has firewire support. I think the future will bring more high-performance
laptops with firewire
support. (I guess I'm sold...)
PPS: Blowing up my mainboard isn't a hobby, another advantage for firewire.
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[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Currently getting my
Masters in Science and Engineering, (micro-electronics)
@ ESAT laboratory, KULeuven, Belgium.
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