Pigeon Point Systems Delivers First TCA Management Controller Solution with Advanced In-Shelf LAN Attachment

Also Delivers First Support for R3.0 of the AdvancedTCA Specification for Fusion Mixed-Signal FPGAs and Renesas H8S Microcontrollers

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. -- July 21, 2009 -- Pigeon Point Systems (PPS), an Actel company, today announced board management reference (BMR) starter kit updates providing ground-breaking TCA management controller solutions, including the first with support for advanced in-shelf network attachment via the Network Controller Sideband Interface (NC-SI) standard. The NC-SI support is implemented in BMR solutions based on the Actel Fusion® mixed-signal FPGA. These and corresponding solutions based on Renesas® H8S microcontrollers are the first to support R3.0 of PICMG® 3.0, the AdvancedTCA® specification.

"Pigeon Point's BMR solutions for AdvancedTCA management controllers continue to lead the industry with the first support for R3.0 of the AdvancedTCA specification for both Fusion mixed-signal FPGAs and Renesas H8S microcontrollers," said Mark Overgaard, president of Pigeon Point Systems. "The advanced in-shelf network attachment facility supported by the updated BMR solutions based on the Fusion mixed-signal FPGA demonstrates the flexibility of an FPGA-based management controller. Management controller compliance with the NC-SI specification requires a reduced media independent interface capable Ethernet MAC, which is realized in this solution by simply including Actel's Core10/100 Ethernet MAC DirectCore in the FPGA design."

Pigeon Point Systems continues to demonstrate its leadership in AdvancedTCA/AdvancedMC™ management controller solutions by delivering advanced features that highlight the unique capabilities of Actel silicon and maintaining industry-leading specification compliance and interoperability. These new solutions boost BMR support for in-shelf network attachment, with the most advanced support available only on Actel's Fusion mixed-signal FPGAs. In addition, these solutions comply with the latest revision of the AdvancedTCA specification and are available for both Actel's Fusion and Renesas H8S core silicon. The new and advanced facilities in the Fusion-based BMR solutions make them even more attractive for new management controller implementations for both existing and new PPS customers.

In-shelf network attachments for management controllers in AdvancedTCA boards allow these high speed connections to be used for a variety of purposes that improve usability and reduce operational expense, including remote access to on-board serial interfaces and quick management controller firmware updates. Compliance with the third major revision of the AdvancedTCA specification enables valuable features, such as intelligent subsidiary field replaceable units (FRUs), and aligns AdvancedTCA products with the requirements for traceability improvements in the new specification revision.

For more information on Fusion-based and other BMR Starter Kits, visit www.pigeonpoint.com/products.html or inquire via email to info@pigeonpoint.com.

For more information on Fusion mixed-signal FPGAs, go to: www.actel.com/products/fusion

About Pigeon Point Systems

Pigeon Point Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Actel Corporation, delivers world-class management components for modular platforms based on the AdvancedTCA, AdvancedMC and MicroTCA architectures to leading companies worldwide. Pigeon Point's focus on providing dependable, proven solutions for the mandatory management controllers in these architectures allows customers to concentrate on the value-added aspects of their products. Deep expertise on these architectures ensures compliance and interoperability in the Pigeon Point components.

Pigeon Point, an executive member of PICMG, is a leader in its AdvancedTCA, AdvancedMC, and MicroTCA subcommittees and is active in many other technical subcommittees. Pigeon Point is also a contributing member of the Service Availability Forum™ and a leader in its HPI Working Group. For more information on Pigeon Point Systems, visit www.pigeonpoint.com.

About Actel

Actel is the leader in low-power FPGAs and mixed-signal FPGAs, offering the most comprehensive portfolio of system and power management solutions. Power Matters. Learn more at www.actel.com.

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