XILINX AND DERIVATION SYSTEMS ANNOUNCE
JAVA PROCESSOR CORE FOR VIRTEX-II FPGAS
Direct Java bytecode execution ideal for internet appliances, set-top boxes, and wireless devices
SAN JOSE, Calif., April 16, 2001 -Xilinx, Inc. (NASDAQ: XLNX) announced today the immediate availability of the LavaCORE JavaTM soft processor core, part of the Xilinx Platform FGPA initiative and Empower!TM processing solutions. The 32-bit configurable processor core was developed by Xilinx AllianceCORETM partner Derivation Systems, Inc. and is a key enabler of embedded Java applications and smart internet appliances, including wireless phones, set-top boxes, distributed and secure network computers.
"Java's platform independence is undermined by long bytecode execution times in standard CPUs. This is unacceptable for embedded Java applications," said Bhaskar Bose, president of Derivation Systems. "Derivation's VirtexTM-II platform-based LavaCORE Java processor eliminates this drawback by executing Java bytecodes directly in hardware."
Direct bytecode execution
While Java application programs are typically run through a compiler with the resulting bytecodes interpreted in software, the LavaCORE processor executes Java bytecode in hardware without software interpreters or code translators. This provides fast execution of Java programs with minimum hardware and operating system support. The LavaCORE processor has 32-bit address and data buses that are designed to add optional modules including local memory, a floating point unit, DES encryption engine, and garbage collector. The instruction set implements Java Virtual Machine (JVM) instructions and can be used in embedded systems requiring small memory foot-prints and short Java applet run-times. Additionally, the LavaCORE processor is compact and user configured for specialized applications where only a subset of the JVM instructions are needed.
"Java-enabled embedded systems are gaining wide market acceptance," said Babak Hedayati, director of marketing and business development of the IP Solutions Division at Xilinx. "Derivation Systems' Java processor core implemented into a Virtex-II FPGA expands the Xilinx Empower! processor strategy into the Java application space allowing customers to build intelligent and configurable internet devices with FPGAs."
The processor core software tools include Java application linker/builder, debugger, and a run-time environment. A configuration environment, available at an extra fee, can be used to develop customized versions of the LavaCORE processor.
Availability and Pricing
The LavaCORE Java processor core is available for immediate use in the Xilinx family of FPGAs. The netlist version of the LavaCORE processor core and software tool suite is available from Derivation Systems (www.derivation.com) and includes the linker/builder, debugger, and run-time environment starting at $12,000. The datasheet for the core can be downloaded from the Xilinx IP Center (www.xilinx.com/ipcenter), a comprehensive resource for system-level intellectual property and services.
The Empower! Processing Solution
The Xilinx Empower! processing solution for Platform FPGAs (announced November 2000), offers the highest performance programmable system for embedded processors while providing the freedom to choose a custom solution. The embedded PowerPC 405 microprocessor cores from IBM will operate at 300 MHz to offer over 420 Dhrystone MIPs of performance with over six gigabytes peak communications bandwidth with the FPGA fabric. The MicroBlazeTM soft processor, also part of the Empower! solution announced April, 2001, runs at 125 MHz and delivers a true 32-bit instruction and data bus critical for building complex systems for the networking, telecommunication, data communication, embedded and consumer markets.
About Derivation Systems
Founded in 1993, Derivation Systems, Inc. (DSI) is a leading developer of high-assurance hardware systems. The company offers a comprehensive product line based on its proprietary FormalSYNTHESISTM technology including formal design verification tools for the electronic design automation industry, formally verified IP cores, PC/104 FPGA modules, and PC/104 processor modules. DSI's target markets include avionics and space applications, network embedded systems, and industrial controller boards. The company's website is located at www.derivation.com.
About Xilinx
Xilinx is the leading innovator of complete programmable logic solutions, including advanced integrated circuits, software design tools, predefined system functions delivered as cores, and unparalleled field engineering support. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in San Jose, Calif., Xilinx invented the field programmable gate array (FPGA) and fulfills more than half of the world demand for these devices today. Xilinx solutions enable customers to reduce significantly the time required to develop products for the computer, peripheral, telecommunications, networking, industrial control, instrumentation, high-reliability/military, and consumer markets. For more information, visit the Xilinx web site at www.xilinx.com.
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