To designate the stages in the product development cycle, TI assigns prefixes to the part numbers of all microprocessors (MPUs) and support tools. Each device has one of three prefixes: X, P, or null (no prefix) (for example, DRA821). Texas Instruments recommends two of three possible prefix designators for its support tools: TMDX and TMDS. These prefixes represent evolutionary stages of product development from engineering prototypes (TMDX) through fully qualified production devices and tools (TMDS).

Device development evolutionary flow:

Support tool development evolutionary flow:

X and P devices and TMDX development-support tools are shipped against the following disclaimer:

"Developmental product is intended for internal evaluation purposes."

Production devices and TMDS development-support tools have been characterized fully, and the quality and reliability of the device have been demonstrated fully. TI's standard warranty applies.

Predictions show that prototype devices (X or P) have a greater failure rate than the standard production devices. Texas Instruments recommends that these devices not be used in any production system because their expected end-use failure rate still is undefined. Only qualified production devices are to be used.

For additional information how to read the complete device name for any DRA821 device, see the specific-device Datasheet (SRPSP57).