C28x

C28x is a 32-bit fixed-point digital signal processing (DSP) core developed by Texas Instruments for embedded real-time control. It forms the central processing unit in many members of TI's C2000 microcontroller family, optimized for motor control, power electronics, and other time-critical applications.

The C28x core implements a pipelined, Harvard architecture with a 32-bit accumulation pathway and dedicated DSP instructions. It supports hardware multiply-accumulate (MAC) operations, efficient fixed-point arithmetic, and circular or modulo addressing to implement real-time DSP algorithms and structured buffers. The architecture also includes features such as conditional execution, interrupts, and various addressing modes to support tight control-loop timing. The core integrates with TI's peripherals and memory models in C2000 devices, enabling close interaction between control logic, ADCs, PWM outputs, and communication interfaces.

Development and deployment: Software for C28x-based devices is typically developed in TI's Code Composer Studio (CCS) or other integrated development environments, often using TI libraries and drivers. Compilers support C and assembly for performance-critical routines. The C28x core has seen iterations within the C2000 family, with newer devices offering enhanced DSP performance, memory, and peripheral integration while maintaining C28x compatibility.

Applications and legacy: The C28x core is widely used in motor control (including BLDC and stepper motors), AC drives, DC-DC converters, uninterruptible power supplies, solar inverters, and other embedded systems requiring deterministic real-time processing. It remains a foundational element in TI's real-time control MCU lineups, with ongoing evolution to broader architecture in newer generations while preserving compatibility with established development workflows.