Jan 26, 2005
Comprising more than 65 benchmark tests, EEMBC�s DENbench suite gives developers of set-top boxes, PDAs, mobile phones, and in-car entertainment systems a sophisticated new set of tools for evaluating the performance of embedded processors in their systems. Specific algorithms in the suite test the speed at which processors compress and de-compress audio, video, and still images. Other algorithms focus on encryption and decryption algorithms commonly used in eCommerce applications.
The first processors to undergo the challenges of the new benchmarks are the Analog Devices ADSP-BF533, AMD Geode NX1500, Freescale MPC7447A, and IBM 750GX. These processors represent a wide range of performance, power, and price characteristics, and therefore, help to validate the effectiveness of DENbench.
For each processor, EEMBC reports individual results for each of 69 benchmark algorithms and associated datasets as well as a series of consolidated scores that provide a snapshot of performance in specific test groups, such as MPEG decode, MPEG encode (both integer and floating-point), Cryptopgraphy, and still image processing. An overall �DENmark� score provides a single-number performance rating for the entire DENbench suite.
Score details for all four processors tested against the new benchmarks are available for free at http://www.eembc.org.
�EEMBC�s release of these new benchmarks and the publication of these scores from AMD, ADI, Freescale, and IBM is very timely given the rapid growth of the digital entertainment market,� said Will Strauss, founder and president of Forward Concepts. �These benchmarks provide a comprehensive interpretation of a processor�s system performance running a wide variety of digital entertainment code, and they have been constructed to allow apples-to-apples comparisons among a wide range of processors.�
Like other EEMBC benchmarks, the new DENbench suite works with a proprietary test harness that allows the benchmarks to be adapted easily to any type of microprocessor or microcontroller platform. In addition to simplifying the test of running the benchmarks, the test harness ensures that a standard method is used for measuring performance and controlling the embedded processor target platform.
�Systems designers will interpret the DENbench scores being published today depending on how they prioritize design considerations such as speed, efficiency, power consumption, and price,� said Markus Levy, EEMBC president. �The various consolidated scores that the benchmarks produce become most useful, in fact, when used to calculate how much a processor�s performance �costs� in terms of several different metrics.�
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About EEMBC
EEMBC, the Embedded Microprocessor Benchmark Consortium, develops and certifies real-world benchmarks and benchmark scores to help designers select the right embedded processors for their systems. Every processor submitted for EEMBC� benchmarking is tested for parameters representing different workloads and capabilities in communications, networking, consumer, office automation, automotive/industrial, embedded Java, and microcontroller-related applications. With members including leading semiconductor, intellectual property, and compiler companies, EEMBC establishes benchmark standards and provides certified benchmarking results through the EEMBC Certification Labs (ECL).
EEMBC�s members include:
Altera, AMCC, AMD, Analog Devices, ARC, ARM, Atmel, CEVA, Cirrus Logic, esmertec, Faraday, Freescale Semiconductor, Fujitsu Microelectronics, General Dynamics, Green Hills Software, IAR Systems, IBM, Imagination Technologies, Improv Systems, Infineon Technologies, Intel, Intrinsity, IPFlex, LSI Logic, Marvell Semiconductor, Matsushita Electric Industrial, Mentor Graphics, Metaware, MetroWerks, MIPS Technologies, National Semiconductor, NEC Electronics, Nokia, Oki Electric Industry, palmOne, Patriot Scientific, Philips Semiconductors, PMC-Sierra, Qualcomm, Raza Microelectronics, Red Hat, Renesas Technology, Rockwell Collins, Samsung Electronics, Sony Computer Entertainment, ST Microelectronics, StarCore, Stretch, Sun Microsystems, Symbian, Tao Group, Tensilica, Texas Instruments, Time Warner Cable, Toshiba, Transmeta, VIA Technologies, and Wind River Systems.
DENbench and DENmark are trademarks and EEMBC is a registered trademark of the Embedded Microprocessor Benchmark Consortium. All other trademarks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners.
EEMBC Contact:
Markus Levy
EEMBC
1.530.672.9113 (voice)
1.530.672.9439 (fax)
markus@eembc.org
Agency Contact:
Bob Decker
Wall Street Communications
1.415.409.0233 (voice)
1.650.618.1512 (fax)
bob.decker@wallstcom.com
