Overview
The TMS320DM368ZCE is a System-on-Chip (SoC) designed by Texas Instruments (TI) for digital media applications, built on a 65nm process and housed in a 338-pin BGA package. Its core design balances high-definition video processing efficiency with rich peripheral interfaces and low-power operation, making it suitable for applications such as video surveillance, digital signage, and portable media devices.
Key Specifications
Processor ArchitectureFeatures a 432MHz ARM926EJ-S core, supporting 32-bit ARM instructions and 16-bit Thumb mode. Integrated DSP instruction extensions and a single-cycle MAC enhance digital signal processing efficiency.
Memory ConfigurationIncludes 16KB instruction cache, 8KB data cache, 32KB on-chip RAM, and 16KB ROM, supporting little-endian mode for real-time data processing and fast boot-up.
CompatibilityPin-to-pin and fully software-compatible with DM365 for easy legacy system upgrades. Offers an extended temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) for rugged environments.
Multimedia Processing Capabilities
1. Video Codec Engines
Power and Clock System
1. Power Management
Multi-Mode Power SavingSupports deep sleep, standby, and low-power (PLL bypass) modes, with a 1.35V core voltage and 3.3V/1.8V I/O voltages. Typical standby current is as low as microamps, making it ideal for battery-powered devices.
Power SequencingRequires strict power-up/power-down timing to ensure system stability, with isolated power supplies for core and peripherals to meet voltage requirements.
2. Clock System
Dual PLL ControllersAccepts external crystal inputs (19.2MHz, 24MHz, 27MHz, 36MHz) to generate clocks for the ARM, DDR, and video modules. Supports glitch-free switching and clock gating to optimize power consumption.
Real-Time Clock (RTC)Features an independent 32.768kHz oscillator for timekeeping during power-off, enabling system time management and low-power wake-up functions.
TMS320DM368ZCE Features
As a System-on-Chip (DMSoC) engineered by Texas Instruments (TI) for digital media applications, the TMS320DM368ZCE delivers a comprehensive solution for embedded media devices, focusing on high-performance processing, flexible interfaces, and low-power design.
1. Robust Multicore Processing Architecture
Equipped with a 432MHz ARM926EJ-S core, it supports 32-bit ARM and 16-bit Thumb instruction sets, integrated with DSP extensions and a single-cycle MAC unit to boost digital signal processing efficiency. On-chip memory includes 16KB instruction cache, 8KB data cache, 32KB RAM, and 16KB ROM, enabling fast boot-up and real-time data handling in little-endian mode. The dual video coprocessors—HDVICP and MJCP—specialize in high-definition codecs:
HDVICP handles H.264 (BP/MP/HP), MPEG-2, and WMV9, supporting 1080p 30fps real-time encoding for seamless video processing.
MJCP optimizes MJPEG/JPEG tasks, ideal for high-throughput image capture in surveillance applications.
Together, they offload the main core, freeing ARM resources for system control and multitasking.
2. End-to-End Video Processing Capability
Front-End Processing (VPFE)Integrates a hardware face detection engine, real-time image resizing (1/16x to 8x), noise reduction, and color space conversion (e.g., RGB to YCbCr). Compatible with BT.601/656/1120 standards, its 16-bit parallel AFE interface (up to 120MHz) directly connects to CCD/CMOS sensors and analog video decoders, ensuring high-speed image input.
Back-End Processing (VPBE)Three 10-bit HD analog video DACs support NTSC/PAL composite video, S-Video, component video (YPbPr), and digital RGB/YCbCr output for LCD/LED displays. The hardware OSD module enables transparent multi-window overlay, enhancing content flexibility in digital
Alternative Models for TMS320DM368ZCE
| Model | Key Differences | Core Advantages | Target Applications | Compatibility |
|---|
| TMS320DM365ZCE | 400MHz clock speed (vs. 432MHz in TMS320DM368ZCE); identical hardware/peripherals; slightly lower video processing frame rate (1080p 25fps). | 1. Zero Migration Cost: 100% pin/software compatibility for direct reuse of existing designs; 2. Cost-Effective: ~10%-15% lower unit price than TMS320DM368ZCE. | Mid/low-end video surveillance, portable devices (dash cams, MP4 players), cost-sensitive projects. | Fully compatible with TMS320DM368ZCE hardware/software |
| TMS320DM365ZCE21 | 216MHz clock speed for ultra-low power; other functions same as DM365ZCE. | Extreme low-power optimization, ideal for battery-powered devices to extend runtime. | Handheld terminals, IoT sensors, low-power embedded devices. | Compatible with DM365 series drivers and toolchain |
| TMS320DM365ZCE27 | 270MHz clock speed, balancing performance and cost; power consumption between DM365ZCE21 and DM365ZCE. | Balanced cost-performance for entry-level video processing (e.g., 720p real-time encoding). | Entry-level digital signage, simple video capture devices, lightweight smart home appliances. | Same as above |
| TMS320DM365ZCE30 | 300MHz clock speed, moderate computing power—slightly higher than DM365ZCE27, lower than DM365ZCE. | Suited for lightweight industrial control and video processing, balancing performance and power. | Industrial cameras (non-rugged environments), small-scale video analytics devices. | Same as above |
| TMS320DM368ZCED | Extended Temperature Range: -40°C to 85°C (vs. 0°C to 85°C in TMS320DM368ZCE); identical hardware/performance. | 1. Industrial-Grade Certification: Reliable in extreme temperatures; 2. No Design Changes: Direct drop-in replacement without hardware adjustments. | Industrial cameras, automotive electronics, outdoor surveillance, harsh-environment embedded systems. | Compatible with TMS320DM368ZCE hardware/software; only temperature spec differs |
TMS320DM368ZCE Package and Dimensions
The TMS320DM368ZCE is packaged in an NFBGA-338 (Plastic Ball Grid Array) with 338 pins and a 0.65mm ball pitch. Measuring approximately 13mm x 13mm, this compact form factor enables space-efficient PCB designs, ideal for embedded applications with strict size constraints, such as video surveillance systems and digital signage. The package ensures reliable electrical connectivity for high-speed signal transmission while balancing thermal management and mechanical stability, meeting requirements for both industrial and consumer electronics.
Alternative Models for TMS320DM368ZCE
A primary alternative for TMS320DM368ZCE is TMS320DM365ZCE, offering pin-to-pin and software compatibility—allowing seamless hardware replacement without major design changes and reducing upgrade costs effectively.
Parameter Comparison with TMS320DM365ZCE
| Parameter | TMS320DM368ZCE | TMS320DM365ZCE |
|---|
| ARM9 Core Clock | 432 MHz | Up to 300 MHz |
| Video Processing | Supports 1080p 30fps H.264 encoding/decoding | Supports 720p 30fps H.264 encoding/decoding |
| On-Chip Instruction Cache | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| On-Chip Data Cache | 8 KB | 8 KB |
| On-Chip RAM | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| On-Chip ROM | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| Package Type | 338-pin BGA (NFBGA-338) | 338-pin BGA (NFBGA-338) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to 85°C | -40°C to 85°C |
| Video Front-End Interface | 16-bit parallel AFE interface, up to 120MHz | 16-bit parallel AFE interface, up to 120MHz |
| Video Output | 8/16-bit YCC, up to 24-bit RGB888 digital | 8/16-bit YCC, up to 24-bit RGB888 digital |
| Compatibility | Pin/software compatible with TMS320DM365 | Pin/software compatible with TMS320DM368 |
Overall, TMS320DM368ZCE excels in ARM core frequency and video resolution support, ideal for high-performance scenarios like 1080p HD video processing. In contrast, TMS320DM365ZCE offers lower frequency and 720p support, maintaining identical packaging and basic cache configurations for easy design migration between the two models.
Application Scenarios of TMS320DM368ZCE
Video Surveillance and Intelligent Vision
In video surveillance and intelligent vision applications, the TMS320DM368ZCE serves as a core solution due to its hardware acceleration advantages. The chip supports real-time 1080p 30fps H.264 encoding, paired with an integrated face detection engine, enabling real-time face capture and video compression in network cameras. This significantly reduces network bandwidth usage and boosts edge processing efficiency. For digital video recorders (DVR/NVR), its multi-channel video input capability and high-speed DDR2 caching ensure simultaneous recording and smooth processing of multiple HD video streams, alleviating pressure on backend servers. The industrial-grade extended temperature model (e.g., DM368ZCED) adapts to extreme outdoor temperatures, meeting 24/7 monitoring requirements and making it ideal for security systems and smart traffic cameras.
Digital Signage and Display Terminals
In the digital signage and display terminal space, the TMS320DM368ZCE shines through its hardware OSD and flexible video output interfaces. Supporting 24-bit RGB or YCbCr digital output, it easily drives LCD/LED displays and enables multi-window overlay—perfect for advertising machines to display video and graphics simultaneously, enhancing content expressiveness. Through USB or network interfaces, devices support remote content updates, enabling real-time information dissemination without physical intervention, suitable for public information systems in malls, airports, and other venues. Its low-power modes ensure long-term stable operation, while the wide-temperature tolerance of industrial models makes it reliable in outdoor high-brightness environments, serving as a core component for smart retail and interactive touch terminals.
Portable Multimedia Devices
For portable multimedia devices, the TMS320DM368ZCE balances performance and battery life with low-power design and compact packaging. In dash cams, it supports H.264-encoded HD video and real-time connectivity with smartphones via USB OTG for preview and data export. The extended temperature model withstands harsh in-vehicle conditions, ensuring stable operation around the clock. For handheld devices like action cameras, its high-speed sensor interface and real-time image resizing enable multi-resolution output, while the 338-pin BGA package saves PCB space for miniaturized designs. Low-power modes further extend battery life, meeting user demands for long shooting sessions.
Industrial Control and Embedded Edge Computing
In the field of consumer electronics and home entertainment, TMS320DM368ZCE has advantages in multi-format decoding and ease of use. It supports multiple video formats such as MPEG-2 and WMV9, and can be used as the core of a high-definition media player. It can connect to a TV through an HDMI analog output, easily decode local or network media files, and achieve plug-and-play with the SD card interface, providing a low-cost solution for home multimedia centers. In video conferencing terminals, the chip's low-latency encoding and decoding capabilities ensure synchronous processing of audio and video, and the USB interface is compatible with mainstream cameras and microphones, helping small and medium-sized conference rooms to deploy efficient real-time communication equipment. Combined with a mature software tool chain, it further lowers the development threshold and promotes the popularization of consumer-grade smart devices.
Purchase Guide for TMS320DM368ZCE
When selecting the TMS320DM368ZCE, confirm the package is 338-pin NFBGA (suffix ZCE). For industrial applications, the extended temperature model ZCED (-40°C to 85°C) is available. Ensure pin and software compatibility with DM365 series to leverage existing designs seamlessly. Before procurement, download the official data sheet (SPRS668C) and reference designs, and verify supplier credentials and inventory batch dates (prioritize 2023+ new batches). Nantian Electronics offers new, original TMS320DM368ZCE—welcome to send inquiries for pricing and availability.
Manufacturer
The TMS320DM368ZCE is designed and manufactured by Texas Instruments (TI), a key member of TI’s DaVinci Video Processor Series. Specialized in digital media processing, the chip integrates an ARM926EJ-S core and dedicated video coprocessors, suitable for applications like video surveillance, digital signage, and portable multimedia devices. TI provides comprehensive technical resources, including data sheets, development tools, and evaluation board solutions, to support design and integration.
Conclusion
The TMS320DM368ZCE stands out for its robust combination of an ARM9 core and dedicated video coprocessors, delivering excellence in HD video processing, low-power design, and peripheral compatibility. Its pin-compatibility with DM365 minimizes upgrade costs, while versatile interfaces and flexible configurations make it an ideal choice for video surveillance, smart devices, and digital media applications. Despite its release in 2010, its mature ecosystem and stable performance maintain a significant role in embedded media processing, particularly suited for mid-to-high-end applications requiring cost-effectiveness, low power, and reliability.