Actel and FS2 Accelerate Debug With Configurable Logic Analyzer Module for Flash-Based FPGAs

CLAM® System Offers Additional Support for Actel's ProASIC and ProASICPLUS FPGAs

SUNNYVALE, Calif., AND PORTLAND, Ore., September 23, 2002 - Actel Corporation (Nasdaq: ACTL) and First Silicon Solutions (FS2) today announced the availability of the Configurable Logic Analyzer Module (CLAM®) System for real-time logic analysis of designs using Actel's flash-based ProASIC and ProASICPLUS field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In addition to the traditional internal on-chip option, FS2's CLAM System also offers unique off-chip trace and triggering support, which allows users to reduce the time required to debug and optimize the system while minimizing the use of system gate resources and available device pins. Embedded in the Actel device, the CLAM System enables users to more easily test and debug their flash-based logic designs for application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) alternative applications in the industrial, communications, networking and avionics markets.

"As the density and functionality of FPGAs has increased, the circuitry placed in them has become more complex and challenging to debug. FS2's CLAM System enables today's system designers to accelerate the debug process and minimize the resources required," said Bryon Moyer, senior director of tools and technical marketing at Actel. "We are pleased that FS2 chose to provide the CLAM System to customers using Actel's industry-leading ProASIC family, which includes the industry's only 1- million gate flash-based FPGA, in their communications, industrial and avionics designs."

"Together, we have worked with Actel to develop a comprehensive suite of tools, including the new CLAM System, the portable Flash Pro programmer and a low-cost evaluation board, to support Actel's successful flash-based ProASIC and ProASICPLUS devices," said Rick Leatherman, president of First Silicon Solutions. "Leveraging our expertise in on-chip instrumentation intellectual property, we plan to continue our joint efforts to provide support for Actel's FPGAs in the future, including integrated support with Actel's software offerings."

About the CLAM System
The CLAM System consists of FS2's On-Chip Instrumentation (OCI®) intellectual property (IP), a hardware probe for communications with the FPGA target, and Windows-based control and display software. The CLAM System IP is configurable with trigger and trace resources, offering a large number of options, including configuration for either on-chip or off-chip trace and triggering. The solution allows the user to select up to 128 internal nodes for analysis at compile time. During run-time, the user is able to view trace and specify trigger conditions on up to 32 channels, or nodes. The CLAM System software makes it easy to set up and configure trace and trigger conditions and view the trace display of the output logic waveforms.

About the ProASIC Family
Actel's ProASIC family, consisting of the ProASIC 500K and ProASICPLUS solutions, ranges in size from 75,000 to 1-million system gates. The combination of a fine-grained, ASIC-like architecture and nonvolatile flash configuration memory makes Actel's ProASIC and ProASICPLUS offerings strong ASIC alternatives. The devices are live at power up, highly secure and require no separate configuration memory, all characteristics shared by ASICs. The ProASIC architecture and design methodology support popular FPGA and ASIC tool flows, reducing time to market and permitting designers to migrate easily between FPGA and ASIC solutions.

Pricing and Availability
The FS2 CLAM System is now available from FS2. Pricing begins at $2,495 for the on-chip version and $3,495 for the system with off-chip trace support. For further information, please contact FS2 at 503/292-6730 or visit the Web at www.fs2.com.

About Actel
Actel Corporation is a supplier of innovative programmable logic solutions, including field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) based on antifuse and flash technologies, high-performance intellectual property (IP) cores, software development tools and design services targeted for the high-speed communications, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) replacement and radiation-tolerant markets. Founded in 1985, Actel employs approximately 500 people worldwide. The Company is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol ACTL and is headquartered at 955 East Arques Avenue, Sunnyvale, Calif., 94086-4533. Telephone: 888-99-ACTEL (992-2835). Internet: http://www.actel.com.

About First Silicon Solutions
FS2 provides silicon IP and design services using On-Chip Instrumentation [OCI®]. This includes custom development tools for programming, testing and debug of FPGA, SoC/SOPC, ASSP and ASIC devices. FS2 products help silicon vendors and their customers develop and more effectively market their products, reducing development cycles, and allowing them to focus on delivering all the potential of the system on silicon. http://www.fs2.com.

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The Actel and ProASICPLUS name and logo are trademarks of Actel Corporation. FS2, CLAM and OCI are registered trademarks of First Silicon Solutions. All other trademarks and servicemarks are the property of their respective owners.

Actel and FS2 Accelerate Debug With Configurable Logic Analyzer Module for Flash-Based FPGAs