Virage Logic Licenses Embedded Memory to MIPS Technologies for Use in 32-Bit Hard Cores
MIPS Technologies Also Joins Virage Logic's Partner Program
FREMONT, Calif., Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Virage Logic Corp. (Nasdaq: VIRL - news),
a global leader in embedded memory IP, and
MIPS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: MIPS; MIPSSB), a leading provider of
industry-standard processor architectures and cores for digital consumer and
networking applications, today announced that the MIPS32(TM) 4Kc(TM) and
4Km(TM) hard cores will use Virage Logic's Custom-Touch(TM) Area, Speed and
Power (ASAP) SRAM embedded memories. In addition, MIPS Technologies joined
Virage Logic's Memory Alliance Program (MAP) to help proliferate the market
for embedded memories.
MIPS32 4K(TM) cores, which are used in ASICs and system-on-chip (SoC)
designs that target a broad range of low-power, high-performance embedded
applications, must be optimized for die area and, therefore, require the
densest memory structures. The high-density (HD) version of Virage Logic's
ASAP-HD SRAM embedded memories use less area and meet the speed requirements
for MIPS32-based cores, while consuming the lowest level of power. The initial
0.18-micron embedded memory instances used by MIPS Technologies are
single-port ASAP HD SRAMs in configurations of 16Kb, 32Kb, 64Kb and 128Kb.
These embedded memories are also available from Virage Logic to licensees of
MIPS® soft cores, as well as the MIPS32 and MIPS64(TM) architectures.
"The MIPS family of synthesizable cores, available in either soft or hard
formats, require high-performance SRAMs for the embedded caches, and the
memories available from Virage Logic are an ideal match for our requirements,"
said John Bourgoin, chairman and CEO of MIPS Technologies. "Virage Logic is a
leading provider of embedded memories and knows what it takes to deliver
silicon-tested IP that enables us and our customers to bring a cost-effective
solution to market faster."
"Outsourcing memory IP has become very attractive to many manufacturers,
largely because of the significance that memory plays in computer, consumer
and communication systems, as well as the need to deploy products into the
market very quickly," said Adam Kablanian, president and CEO of Virage Logic.
"With the successful incorporation of Virage Logic's embedded memory IP in the
MIPS32 4Kc and 4Km hard cores, MIPS has provided SoC customers a proven path
to silicon."
Availability
MIPS Technologies' customers may access Virage Logic's broad portfolio of
embedded memories, including the ASAP High Speed (HS), Self Testable and
Repairable (STAR), and NetCAM (Content Addressable) memories, by going to
www.viragelogic.com/mips and downloading front-end models of the memories
identified for use with the MIPS cores. These front-end models are available
at no cost and allow customers to evaluate them for use in their designs.
Memory Alliance Program
MIPS Technologies also joined Virage Logic's Memory Alliance Program as an
IP supplier. The charter of the program is to foster the continued expansion
and use of embedded memory in SoC designs. Consisting of foundries, IP
suppliers, EDA vendors, design service providers and test vendors, the program
is proactive and brings together all the enabling technology players to ensure
that memory will be a driver, rather than a bottleneck, for data-intensive
applications.
Virage Logic's ASAP Embedded Memories
The ASAP HD memories are part of the ASAP family that consists of two
other sub-families of embedded memory compilers: high speed (HS) and low
voltage (HD-LV). ASAP HD memories are optimized for area and provide the best
utilization of available silicon real estate. The ASAP HS embedded memory is
the industry's first commercially available embedded memory with speeds
surpassing 600MHz. The ASAP HD-LV embedded memory compilers deliver cores that
are important for portable applications that must run on lower voltages, such
as hearing aids and remote modems.
About MIPS Technologies, Inc.
MIPS Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of industry-standard
processor architectures and cores for digital consumer and network
applications. The company drives the broadest architectural alliance that is
delivering 32- and 64-bit embedded RISC solutions. The company licenses its
intellectual property to semiconductor companies, ASIC developers and system
OEMs. MIPS Technologies and its licensees offer the widest range of robust,
scalable processors in standard, custom, semi-custom and application-specific
products. The company is based in Mountain View, Calif., and can be reached at
650-567-5000 or http://www.mips.com .
About Virage Logic
Virage Logic is a global technology and market leader in embedded memory
IP. To meet customer design goals with the highest level of quality, Virage
Logic products are production tested, and optimized for area, power and speed.
These products include embedded memory cores, which are critical components of
communications, consumer and computer products including switches, routers,
modems, cellular phones, set-top boxes, HDTVs, DVD players and PCs. In
addition, the company offers software tools and custom memory design services.
The company's customers include ASIC/custom SoC designers, fabless
semiconductor companies targeting pure-play foundries, and semiconductor
companies. Founded in January 1996, the company has over 180 employees and is
located at 46501 Landing Pkwy., Fremont, Calif., 94538. Telephone:
877-360-6690 (toll free) or 510-360-8000. Fax:
510-360-8099. For more
information, please visit www.viragelogic.com.
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on our current
expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management's
beliefs, and certain assumptions made by us. Words such as "anticipates,"
"expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will"
and variations of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify
forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to
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subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to
predict. Therefore, our actual results could differ materially and adversely
from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various
factors.
NOTE:
MIPS® is a registered trademark and MIPS64(TM), MIPS32(TM),
4K(TM), 4Kc(TM), 4Km(TM) and MIPS-based(TM) are trademarks of MIPS
Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other
trademarks referred to herein are the property of their respective owners
