Summary of The Texas PRU Cape
Texas has introduced the PRU Cape to simplify programming the Programmable Real-time Unit (PRU) in Sitara AM335x and AM437x devices, such as the BeagleBone Black. This cape features dual 200 MHz coprocessors for low-latency real-time processing. The project includes a software package with Linux source code, examples using LEDs, push buttons, audio, and UART, plus a PRU-optimized C compiler and Code Composer Studio.
Parts used in the PRU Cape:
- Programmable Real-time Unit (PRU)
- Dual 200 MHz coprocessors
- Linux source code
- Worked examples (LEDs, push buttons, audio, UART)
- Sitara Linux SDK
- PRU-optimized C compiler
- TI Code Composer Studio
In a bid to encourage greater use of TI’s Programmable Real-time Unit (PRU) built into the Sitara AM335x and AM437x family of devices which power the BeagleBone Black development board Texas have announced the PRU cape. The PRU is made up of dual 200 MHz coprocessors, implementing a low-latency subsystem optimized for deterministic, real-time processing allowing direct access to I/Os. It would be fair to say that this capability is seldom used by BeagleBone developers because it has been found to be complex to program.
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The PRU Cape is supported with a software package including the Linux source code and a number of worked examples using the LEDs, push buttons, audio and UART. The code is available as part of the Sitara Linux SDK. A new PRU-optimized C compiler and TI’s Code Composer Studio is also available for download.
For more detail: The Texas PRU Cape
- What is the purpose of the PRU Cape?
To encourage greater use of TI’s Programmable Real-time Unit built into Sitara AM335x and AM437x devices. - How does the PRU handle data processing?
It uses dual 200 MHz coprocessors optimized for deterministic, real-time processing with direct I/O access. - Why was the PRU capability seldom used before?
It was found to be complex to program by BeagleBone developers. - What software components are included with the PRU Cape?
The package includes Linux source code, worked examples, a PRU-optimized C compiler, and Code Composer Studio. - Can developers access examples for specific hardware interfaces?
Yes, examples cover LEDs, push buttons, audio, and UART. - Where can the Sitara Linux SDK be obtained?
The code is available as part of the Sitara Linux SDK. - Which development tools are provided for download?
A new PRU-optimized C compiler and TI’s Code Composer Studio are available. - Which BeagleBone models support this cape?
Devices powered by the Sitara AM335x and AM437x families, including the BeagleBone Black.
