System Generation Tool Simplifies the Process of Integrating IP for Complex
Systems
SAN JOSE, Calif., March 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Altera Corporation (Nasdaq: ALTR) today announced the immediate availability
of SOPC Builder, an automated system development tool that simplifies and
accelerates the process of integrating complex designs in Altera's
high-density programmable logic devices (PLDs). SOPC Builder gives designers
the ability to turn their concepts into systems in minutes by automating the
tedious task of defining, parameterizing and linking intellectual property
(IP) cores, including multiple embedded processors.
SOPC Builder further extends Altera's leadership in system integration
tools established last year with the introduction of the Excalibur(TM)
embedded processor solutions development kits. Used with the Quartus(R) II
design software, SOPC Builder provides designers with a powerful platform for
creating a complete system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) design.
"The combination of easily accessible IP and a powerful system integration
tool is a significant design asset for sophisticated, high-density PLD users
and embedded systems designers alike," said Paul Zorfass, senior analyst for
embedded solutions with International Data Corporation/FTI. "As these design
disciplines merge, companies like Altera are stepping up to the plate with a
complete solution that accommodates system integration, software development,
prototyping and system verification."
With SOPC Builder, users can select and parameterize IP components from an
extensive drop-down list of communication, digital signal processor (DSP),
microprocessor and bus interface cores, as well as integrate their own
user-defined IP. Designers can then generate a synthesized netlist,
simulation test bench and custom software library that reflect the hardware
configuration. When combined with Altera's Excalibur embedded processor
solutions, SOPC Builder enables the creation of complex systems that include
on-chip memory, a processor core, I/O functions and application-specific IP.
In concert with the OpenCore(R) Plus IP evaluation program, which allows
designers to download IP from the Altera web site to perform actual tests in
hardware, SOPC Builder offers unprecedented access to an extensive portfolio
of IP from Altera and Altera Megafunction Partners Program (AMPP(SM)) members.
"SOPC Builder gives designers the ability to define the single-chip,
custom solution they need in significantly less time than other design
alternatives," said Tim Southgate, vice president of software and tools
marketing at Altera. "SOPC Builder directly reduces our customers'
time-to-market by automating the definition and integration tasks for
developing a complete system-on-a-programmable-chip."
SOPC Builder encompasses all of Altera's Excalibur embedded processor
solutions for the rapid development of microprocessor-based systems
implemented with Altera PLDs. SOPC Builder seamlessly embraces the
AMBA-AHB(TM) bus, the de-facto bus standard for system-on- chip
implementations, as well as Altera's Avalon(TM) bus that supports the complete
library of Nios(TM) soft processor core peripherals.
SOPC Builder addresses the need for a software development kit configured
for the system to jump-start the software development team. When one or more
processors exist, SOPC Builder generates a header file and a custom library of
routines that control each peripheral connected to the processor or multiple
processors.
"Because of the inevitable demand for processors in SOPC applications,
Altera views both softcore and hardcore processors as IP components," said
Mark Dickinson, vice president of Altera's Excalibur business unit. "If a
designer adds a real-time operating system (RTOS) to a processor-based system,
for example, SOPC Builder can automate the generation of a custom RTOS kernel,
including drivers for the peripheral set included in the SOPC design."
Altera will be exhibiting SOPC Builder with all of its Excalibur embedded
processor solutions at booth 1414 during the Embedded Systems Conference to be
held March 12-16 at Moscone Center in San Francisco. For more information
about Embedded Systems Conference visit:
http://www.altera.com/education/events/northamerica/evt-esc2002.html .
Pricing and Availability
SOPC Builder is currently included in the Excalibur Nios Development Kit
and in the Excalibur ARM Solutions Pack, and is available on request via
http://www.altera.com. Future versions of the Quartus II design software will also
include SOPC Builder. Combined with Altera's Quartus II design software, SOPC
Builder can be used to implement designs in Altera's Stratix(TM), Mercury(TM),
APEX(TM) II, APEX, ACEX(TM), FLEX(R), and Excalibur ARM(R)-based devices.
About the Altera Megafunction Partners Program (AMPP)
The Altera Megafunction Partners Program, established in August 1995, was
created to bring the advantages of design reuse to users of Altera PLDs. AMPP
is an alliance between Altera and developers of IP cores that encourages
megafunction development. Altera provides technical information and training
to the AMPP partners, who create and support IP cores targeted for Altera
PLDs. Currently, there are more than 30 AMPP partners offering more than 150
megafunctions. Customers may request a free evaluation of any of these cores
through Altera's megafunction listings at http://www.altera.com/ipmegastore .
About OpenCore(R) Plus
Altera's OpenCore(R) Plus supplements the OpenCore evaluation flow by
incorporating free RTL simulation and hardware evaluation, allowing designers
to simulate an RTL model of a MegaCore function in their design and generate
time-limited programming files. Designers can use the OpenCore Plus hardware
evaluation feature to perform board-level design verification before deciding
to purchase licenses for the MegaCore functions.
About Altera
Altera Corporation is the world's pioneer in system-on-a-programmable-chip
(SOPC) solutions. Combining programmable logic technology with software
tools, intellectual property and technical services, Altera provides
high-value programmable solutions to approximately 14,000 customers worldwide.
More information is available at http://www.altera.com.
NOTE: Altera, The Programmable Solutions Company, the stylized Altera
logo, specific device designations and all other words that are identified as
trademarks and/or service marks are, unless noted otherwise, the trademarks
and service marks of Altera Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. ARM
and AMBA is a trademark of ARM Limited. All other product or service names
are the property of their respective holder.
CONTACT: Bruce Fienberg of Altera Corporation, +1-408-544-6397, or
newsroom@altera.com
SOURCE Altera Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.altera.com
CONTACT:
Bruce Fienberg of Altera Corporation,
+1-408-544-6397, or newsroom@altera.com
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