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Mentor Graphics Introduces VRTX Operating System for System-on-Chip Applications Based on MIPS32 Cores
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 9, 2001--Mentor Graphics
Corp. (Nasdaq:MENT) today announced that its VRTX® Real-Time
Operating System (RTOS) is now available for the MIPS32 4K(TM)
embedded microprocessor families from MIPS Technologies (Nasdaq:MIPS; Nasdaq:MIPSB - ) and its licensees.
Like the MIPS processor architecture, VRTX is targeted for use in
modern System-on-Chip (SoC) designs, such as set-top boxes, digital
cameras, video game systems, routers and handheld computing devices,
where memory efficiency and low power consumption are often just as
important as RTOS features and performance. VRTX strikes the optimal
balance between these conflicting requirements with a pair of
compatible solutions that allow the developer to select the precise
level of RTOS support that is needed by the application.
``Mentor Graphics understands the role software plays in the SoC
design process, making them a leading solutions provider for this
exciting new technology'' said Brian Knowles, vice president of
marketing for MIPS Technologies. ``The VRTX operating systems
complement our MIPS32(TM) architecture because they enable developers
of MIPS-based products to maximize performance and functionality in a
single-chip solution.''
For SoC designers the line between hardware and software is
becoming blurred, and the need for integrated hardware and software
tools is more important than ever.
``Mentor's unique approach to SoC design relies heavily on our
ability to deliver all the critical components, from hardware design
and modeling tools, to co-verification and embedded software
debugging,'' said Mark Saunders, senior product marketing manager for
the Mentor Graphics® Embedded Software division. ``Developers
implementing designs using MIPS32 4K cores now have the development
tools and RTOS solutions they need to create small footprint,
single-chip solutions for high-performance SoC applications.''
The RTOS for SoC: Choice of Scalable Kernels for Flexibility
VRTX is the ideal RTOS for SoC, where maintaining a single-chip
solution is so important, because it addresses the conflicting needs
of footprint and performance with a pair of solutions that scale
perfectly. The VRTX product family comprises two distinct solutions --
VRTXsa(TM) and VRTXmc(TM) -- which provide a continuum of features,
performance and scalability options for today's SoC developers:
- VRTXsa (scalable architecture): A full-featured yet
memory-efficient RTOS provides a rich feature set,
unparalleled performance and an extensive range of
configuration and scalability options for developers to
minimize their system for SoC applications.
- VRTXmc (micro-controller): Upwardly compatible with VRTXsa at
the Application Program Interface (API) level, VRTXmc is an
extremely compact real-time executive, providing powerful task
management and scheduling with negligible intrusion. For
severely resource-constrained applications, VRTXmc provides a
fast, lightweight means of controlling the application tasks
and maintaining efficient use of the processing power.
VRTXsa is a functional super-set of VRTXmc and offers reduced
interrupt and task-switch latency, extensive I/O support,
sophisticated yet non-intrusive memory protection, and a complete set
of modern RTOS system calls. VRTXsa supports a complete range of
embedded applications through a modular architecture that enables
developers to select only those components required by their
application. This approach minimizes target memory requirements while
providing the exact set of required services for the application.
Mentor Graphics is a member of MIPS Technologies' MIPS Alliance
Program (MAP). The MAP provides members with broad marketing
assistance, such as Internet and traditional marketing, technical
assistance as well as promotional activities.
About Mentor Graphics Corp.
Mentor Graphics Corp. (Nasdaq:MENT) is a world leader in
electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products
and consulting services for the world's most successful electronics
and semiconductor companies. Established in 1981, the company reported
revenues over the last 12 months of nearly $600 million and employs
approximately 2,750 people worldwide. Corporate headquarters are
located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Ore. 97070-7777;
Silicon Valley headquarters are located at 1001 Ridder Park Drive, San
Jose, Calif. 95131-2314. World Wide Web site: www.mentor.com.
Mentor Graphics, VRTX and XRAYare registered trademarks of Mentor
Graphics Corporation. VRTXsa and VRTXmc are trademarks of Mentor
Graphics Corporation.. All other company or product names are the
registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.
Contact:
Benjamin Group/BSMG Worldwide
Jeremiah Glodoveza, 415/352-2628 ext. 559
jeremiah@benjamingroup.com
or
Mentor Graphics
Stephanie van Blommestein, 408/487-7392
stephanie_vanblommestein@mentor.com
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