Click here to learn
about this Sponsor:
Home  |  News  |  Articles  |  Polls  |  Forum

Keywords: Match:
Configurable core runs Linux, supports auto-generated SoC designs
Oct. 24, 2005

Tensilica has revised its configurable, extensible processor core for SoC (system-on-chip) design. Xtensa 6 supports tools that generate hardware designs and toolchains from C/C++ algorithms, the company says. The synthesizable, 32-bit RISC core also features 30 percent lower power, and a "no execute" bit for high-security embedded Linux designs.

Tensilica's Xtensa cores are based on a proprietary 32-bit core architecture with 16- and 24-bit instruction sets. These small instruction sets offer higher code density and require less power than 32-bit instructions, the company says, yet support powerful branch instructions such as combined compare-and-branch and zero-overhead loops, and bit manipulations including funnel shifts and field-extraction operations. An optional FPU (floating point unit) is available.


Xtensa 6 architecture

Xtensa cores are supported by Linux, and available with an Eclipse-based IDE aimed at providing a single, unified environment for both hardware and software development.

Auto-generated SoC designs and toolchains

Tensilica says the new Xtensa 6 core supports its XPRES compiler, which can generate verified RTL (register transfer level) hardware descriptions and toolchains from C/C++ algorithms. Users input the algorithm they wish to optimize, and the XPRES compiler determines which functions should be accelerated in hardware. It then generates the hardware description, along with an optimized compiler, in "less than an hour," the company claims.

Tensilica says its Xtensa 6 core and XPRESS compiler allow rapid evaluation of area/speed/power trade-offs. C code portability is preserved, since a special compiler is generated for each configuration. Additionally, the approach eliminates the need to verify hand-generated hardware descriptions written in VHDL (very high-level design language) or Verilog, the company says.

The XPRES compiler also supports the company's top-of-range Xtensa LX core, giving Xtensa 6 users a hardware upgrade path that does not require software changes, the company claims.

Other new features

Besides its new support for the XPRES compiler, the Xtensa 6 dissipates 25-30 percent less power than the Xtensa V, Tensilica says. The improvements are the result of fine-grain gating, which powers down small processor sections when possible, along with coarse-grain gating, said to conserve power throughout larger chip sections, such as the cache.

Another new feature is support for an NX, or "no execute," bit. NX allows the execution of processor instructions to be disallowed in specific areas of memory, and is similar to AMD's EVP (enhanced virus protection) and Intel's XD (execute disable) schemes, Tensilica says. NX requires virtual memory support, and thus requires the Xtensa 6's MMU feature. Tensilica says NX support will be incorporated in future versions of Linux.

VP of Marketing Steve Roddy said, "Xtensa 6 [and] our XPRES Compiler can create application-specific building blocks that can serve as either conventional control processors or as a suitable alternative to RTL-based hardware block design. This product automates time-and-resource intensive IC design steps, and adds programmability to the post-silicon design."

Availability

Xtensa 6 is shipping now. Licensing fees for a single processor configuration with perpetual usage rights start at $350,000.



Related Stories:


(Click here for further information)


FUEL Database on MontaVista Linux
Whether building a mobile handset, a car navigation system, a package tracking device, or a home entertainment console, developers need capable software systems, including an operating system, development tools, and supporting libraries, to gain maximum benefit from their hardware platform and to meet aggressive time-to-market goals.

Breaking New Ground: The Evolution of Linux Clustering
With a platform comprising a complete Linux distribution, enhanced for clustering, and tailored for HPC, Penguin Computing¿s Scyld Software provides the building blocks for organizations from enterprises to workgroups to deploy, manage, and maintain Linux clusters, regardless of their size.

Data Monitoring with NightStar LX
Unlike ordinary debuggers, NightStar LX doesn¿t leave you stranded in the dark. It¿s more than just a debugger, it¿s a whole suite of integrated diagnostic tools designed for time-critical Linux applications to reduce test time, increase productivity and lower costs. You can debug, monitor, analyze and tune with minimal intrusion, so you see real execution behavior. And that¿s positively illuminating.

Virtualizing Service Provider Networks with Vyatta
This paper highlights Vyatta's unique ability to virtualize networking functions using Vyatta's secure routing software in service provider environments.

High Availability Messaging Solution Using AXIGEN, Heartbeat and DRBD
This white paper discusses a high-availability messaging solution relying on the AXIGEN Mail Server, Heartbeat and DRBD. Solution architecture and implementation, as well as benefits of using AXIGEN for this setup are all presented in detail.

Understanding the Financial Benefits of Open Source
Will open source pay off? Open source is becoming standard within enterprises, often because of cost savings. Find out how much of a financial impact it can have on your organization. Get this methodology and calculator now, compliments of JBoss.

Embedded Hardware and OS Technology Empower PC-Based Platforms
The modern embedded computer is the jack of all trades appearing in many forms.

Data Management for Real-Time Distributed Systems
This paper provides an overview of the network-centric computing model, data distribution services, and distributed data management. It then describes how the SkyBoard integration and synchronization service, coupled with an implementation of the OMG¿s Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, can be used to create an efficient data distribution, storage, and retrieval system.

7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.

 


Got a HOT tip?   please tell us!
Free weekly newsletter
Enter your email...
Click here for a profile of each sponsor:
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
(Become a sponsor)

ADVERTISEMENT
(Advertise here)

Check out the latest Linux powered...

mobile phones!

other cool
gadgets



BREAKING NEWS

• Hacker-friendly karaoke PMP runs Linux
• Maemo gains KOffice port
• OLPC partners with Amazon, ITU
• "cJTAG" debuts
• First $100 laptop runs Linux
• First Linux on Everest
• Dell ships Ubuntu- and Atom-based netbook
• Smallest x86 board ever?
• MontaVista Vision gains focus
• "Olympics" phone runs Linux
• Android Challenge winners push location awareness
• Atmel-based industrial SBC runs Linux
• Atom squeezes onto Pico-ITX board
• Via frees Chrome graphics driver source
• Webinar dissects Linux multicore migration


Most popular stories -- past 90 days:
• Open source phone goes mass-market
• Updated! Linux Mobile Phones Showcase
• World's cheapest Linux-based laptop?
• Garmin Nav devices run Gnome Linux
• First Atom-based notebook runs Linux
• ARM9 board boots Debian in 0.69 seconds
• Open source camera records geotagged video to SATA HDD
• Linux-friendly Beagle fetches $150
• "PDA phone" runs Linux
• Intel offers $80 "Little Falls" Atom mobo
• Netflix Player runs Linux


DesktopLinux headlines:
• OSCON 2008 presentations, videos posted
• Debian distro named for little green man
• Google spins web browser
• Summit debuts for Linux end users
• "UbuntuLite" reviewed
• Linux in the SME
• Linux: not yet photo-friendly
• Linux to gain anti-virus software
• Linux gains backup utility
• Testing Lenny


Also visit our sister site:


Sign up for LinuxDevices.com's...

news feed

Home  |  News  |  Articles  |  Polls  |  Forum  |  About  |  Contact
 

Ziff Davis Enterprise Home | Contact Us | Advertise | Link to Us | Reprints | Magazine Subscriptions | Newsletters
Tech RSS Feeds | White Papers | ROI Calculators | Tech Podcasts | Tech Video | VARs | Channel News

Baseline | Careers | Channel Insider | CIO Insight | DesktopLinux | DeviceForge | DevSource | eSeminars |
eWEEK | Enterprise Network Security | LinuxDevices | Linux Watch | Microsoft Watch | Mid-market | Networking | PDF Zone |
Publish | Security IT Hub | Strategic Partner | Web Buyer's Guide | Windows for Devices

Developer Shed | Dev Shed | ASP Free | Dev Articles | Dev Hardware | SEO Chat | Tutorialized | Scripts |
Code Walkers | Web Hosters | Dev Mechanic | Dev Archives | igrep

Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2008 Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is prohibited. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.