Many legacy Analog Devices SHARC® and SHARC+® DSPs are now obsolete, including popular processors used in automotive audio, professional audio, home theater, industrial control and high-performance signal-processing systems.

Common discontinued families include ADSP-21065L, ADSP-21266, ADSP-21362, ADSP-21365, ADSP-21367, ADSP-21368, ADSP-21483 and ADSP-21591.

This guide compares key obsolete SHARC processors, their applications and replacement considerations, and helps buyers identify legacy parts for repair, existing production and long-term spare-parts requirements.

Popular ADI Obsolete SHARC DSPs

Why Are Obsolete SHARC DSPs Still in Demand?

SHARC processors were widely designed into equipment with long operating lifetimes.

Typical systems include:

Automotive audio systems

Professional audio equipment

Industrial controllers

Broadcast systems

Communication equipment

Military and high-reliability electronics

Legacy embedded signal-processing platforms

Replacing a DSP can require changes to:

PCB layout · firmware · DSP algorithms · boot configuration · external memory · peripheral drivers · audio routing · development tools

For equipment that is already qualified and deployed, sourcing the original processor may be more economical than redesigning the entire system.

SHARC Replacement Considerations

The SHARC architecture provides significant software continuity between generations, but newer SHARC or SHARC+ processors should not automatically be considered pin-compatible replacements.

Before migration, engineers should compare:

Core performance

Floating-point format

On-chip RAM

External memory interface

SPORT configuration

SPI / UART / I²C

S/PDIF and ASRC requirements

Package and pinout

Power rails

Boot configuration

Development environment

For example, ADI's migration documentation for ADSP-214xx → ADSP-SC58x / ADSP-2158x specifically addresses peripheral differences, confirming that migration requires system-level engineering evaluation.

Obsolete SHARC DSP Stock & RFQ

DataStorageIC supports sourcing of obsolete and hard-to-find Analog Devices SHARC DSPs for existing production, repair and long-term spare-parts requirements.

FAQ

Are ADI SHARC DSPs discontinued?

Some SHARC and SHARC+ families remain available, but many older models are now obsolete. ADI currently identifies ADSP-21065L, ADSP-21266, ADSP-21362, ADSP-21365, ADSP-21367, ADSP-21368, ADSP-21483 and ADSP-21591 as Obsolete.

What does ADI “Obsolete” mean?

Analog Devices defines Obsolete as a lifecycle status where models in that product family are no longer available from ADI.

Can a newer SHARC DSP directly replace an obsolete model?

Usually not without engineering evaluation. Even when processors are software-related, package, peripherals, memory and power architecture may differ.

What is the replacement for ADSP-21065LCSZ-240?

ADI lists ADSP-21569BBCZ8 as a suggested replacement, but states that software and hardware redesign are required.

Which obsolete SHARC models are suitable for automotive audio?

Common legacy automotive-audio processors include ADSP-21362, ADSP-21365 and ADSP-21591.

Which SHARC processors were commonly used for professional audio?

ADSP-21368 and ADSP-21483 are particularly relevant to professional and high-performance digital audio systems.

Where can I request obsolete SHARC DSP stock?

DataStorageIC supports RFQs for obsolete Analog Devices DSPs. Submit the exact MPN and required quantity for stock, price and lead-time confirmation.