Teldix Selects Actel's ProASIC Plus FPGAs for Multi-Processor Boards Used in the Eurofighter Project

The processor module contains two Actel ProASIC Plus APA150 FPGAs with identical functionality that are used to implement various functions, including built-in self-test, watchdog and interrupt control functions, as well as security functions for external flash memories and custom system timers for synchronizing the various system boards. The ProASIC Plus parts also integrate parallel I/Os, an I(2)C-interface and special reset functions.

"We decided to use Actel ProASIC Plus FPGAs because of their live at power-up nature, their inherent immunity against firm errors and the inherent security of design -- benefits not offered by SRAM parts," explained Michael Feigenbutz, group leader, computer development at TELDIX. "The parts' in-system programmability played a critical role by allowing us to quickly implement changes during the development process. Further benefit was derived by allowing us to reduce the total system cost and offering space savings, as Actel FPGAs do not require a boot PROM."

Actel distributor MSC Germany provided TELDIX with comprehensive assistance with the initial design and technical support to help realize the project in a timely fashion.

"The common processor module developed by TELDIX once again demonstrates that flash FPGAs are being increasingly used as highly secure alternatives to SRAM parts and that manufacturers of high-reliability equipment, such as avionics and weapons systems, continue to profit from the inherent benefits of our programmable logic devices," said Ken O'Neill, director, military and aerospace product marketing at Actel. "Actel's ProASIC Plus devices are a great fit for mission-critical applications that require levels of security beyond that provided by SRAM-based FPGAs."

About ProASIC Plus

The ProASIC Plus family consists of devices ranging from 75,000 to 1 million system gates. The combination of a fine-grained, single-chip ASIC-like architecture and nonvolatile flash configuration memory makes Actel's ProASIC Plus offering a strong ASIC alternative. The devices are live at power-up, low power, highly secure, resistant to neutron-induced firm errors and require no separate configuration memory, all characteristics shared by ASICs. In addition to commercial and industrial temperature ranges, Actel's ProASIC Plus FPGAs are offered in military temperature and Mil-Std 883B versions. The ProASIC Plus 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.

About the Eurofighter Typhoon

The Eurofighter Typhoon is the world's most capable and dynamic swing-role combat aircraft. Developed by Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, the Eurofighter Typhoon will fulfill Air Force requirements well into the mid-21st Century. The aircraft is in full production and, having achieved Type Acceptance, the first of the 620 Eurofighter Typhoons planned for the four Partner Nations were delivered in 2003, and will continue to be delivered throughout 2005.

About TELDIX

TELDIX GmbH was founded in 1960 as a subsidiary of TELEFUNKEN GmbH and the BENDIX Corporation, USA. In 1973, the Bosch GmbH acquired the Bendix interest and in 1981 also that of AEG-Telefunken. In 1989 TELDIX was integrated into Bosch Telecom. In February 1996, Litton Industries Inc., Woodland Hills, CA, USA, acquired TELDIX GmbH from Bosch and made TELDIX a "Center of Excellence" for high-technology products in the fields of computer technology, displays and space products whereby its sister company LITEF GmbH is the "Center of Excellence" for airborne, marine and land vehicle navigation systems. In April 2001 Northrop Grumman Corporation, Los Angeles, CA, USA acquired Litton Industries. TELDIX and LITEF now belong to the Navigation Sensors Division within Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector.

TELDIX owes its development over forty years to the continuous evolution of its products, the high quality of its technical teams, the constant improvement of the facilities used and the diversification of its activities. Today TELDIX has a technical potential of multi-discipline engineers and technicians and of highly-qualified production workers. Six percent of the company's personnel are involved with quality assurance and maintain our spirit of high quality. The quality management program implemented at TELDIX ensures its high standards of quality in all areas. TELDIX is DIN-EN ISO-9001:2000, AQAP-2110/-150, ESA ECSS-Q-70-07 and ESA PSS-01-738 certified.

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 more than 500 people worldwide. The Company is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol ACTL and is headquartered at 2061 Stierlin Court, Mountain View, Calif., 94043-4655. Telephone: 888-99-ACTEL (992-2835). Internet: http://www.actel.com .

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