Mentor Graphics and First Silicon Solutions - FS2 - Announce Integrated Tools for MIPS 4KE Family Multi-Core Development
Silverback Systems Selects Mentor Graphics and FS2 Solution for Development of Network Storage Processors
PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 13, 2002--
Mentor Graphics Embedded Systems Division (Nasdaq: MENT - News) and First
Silicon Solutions (FS2) announced today integrated tools to simplify
and speed development of multi-core system-on-chip (SoC) devices based
on the MIPS 4KE(TM) processor family.
The new tools have been selected by Silverback Systems, a start-up
developing leading-edge silicon and software solutions for networked
storage and data centers.
SoC designs have rapidly increased in complexity and number of
embedded CPU cores. Synchronizing control over multiple CPUs and
providing visibility into simultaneous software streams while testing
and debugging present tremendous challenges to the system and software
development teams. The new tools combine the Mentor Graphics®
XRAY® Debugger with the FS2 System Analyzer. Using FS2 OCI®
(On-Chip Instrumentation) they leverage powerful on-chip debug
features jointly developed by FS2 and MIPS Technologies for the
MIPS32(TM)4KE(TM) cores. For the first time ever these tools enable
users of MIPS cores to synchronize control and debug tasks on any
number of multiple CPUs in the design with no additional hardware
logic or software requirement. They provide the user with
non-intrusive, real-time trace features from a single, easy-to-use
graphical program interface, which is critical for maximizing
developer productivity. The new tools will result in significantly
faster time to market for complex multi-core SoC designs.
Key Benefits of the new MIPS32 4KE Integrated Tools
- Synchronized, real-time starting and stopping of all cores,
individual cores, or any subset of processors in the design
- Simplified control of multiple CPUs
- Single graphical interface and debug session for all user
functions (other tools require multiple debug sessions and
complex user configurations for multi-core support)
- Real-time trace capture of executed instruction, load/store
address and data values for multiple cores
- Instruction-Set Simulation for multi-core designs for faster
testing and prototyping of application software prior to the
availability of target hardware
- Support for scratchpad RAM memories where minimum latency is
critical
- MIPS Co-processor 2 (COP2) support
- Seamless Co-Verification Environment support for faster
hardware/software development and to prevent costly silicon
re-spins
- Supports GNU C/C++ compiler tools for MIPS processors
"First Silicon Solutions and Mentor Graphics have combined to
produce a state-of-the-art solution that squarely addresses the needs
of MIPS licensees developing advanced multi-core products. We are
delighted to have participated in this exciting collaboration between
premier MIPS partners. This integrated, complete solution is a strong
validation of MIPS open tools program based on standards such as the
MDI interface. Our licensees benefit immensely from being able to
obtain best-in-class tools integrated through standard interfaces,"
said Brad Holtzinger, Director of System Solutions for MIPS
Technologies.
"Today's sophisticated multi-core CPU designs require debugging
capabilities to analyze and view multiple CPU streams simultaneously.
With this solution the sophisticated features of the latest MIPS cores
can be non-intrusively accessed. User configurable real-time on-chip
and off-chip trace collection options provide insight into events up
to and around a trigger event, hardware or software breakpoint.
Sophisticated triggering features amongst the various CPUs give the
designer a new level of control and visibility, greatly speeding the
debug process with these new multi-core designs," said Rick
Leatherman, president of First Silicon Solutions.
"This release significantly enhances Mentor Graphics' Embedded
Software Development Environment (ESDE) for MIPS32(TM) and MIPS64(TM)
designs, beyond adding support for the MIPS 4KE processors," said Neil
Henderson, general manager of the Embedded Systems Division of Mentor
Graphics. "The XRAY Debugger has been seamlessly integrated with the
FS2 System Analyzer to facilitate on-chip debug of the target system.
XRAY can easily support debug of any number of MIPS cores in the
customer's design, or even mixed CPU/DSP environments. Such control
includes synchronous starts, stops, and breakpoints, all from one
instance of the XRAY Debugger interface. No other MIPS tools on the
market can match this level of functionality."
About First Silicon Solutions
First Silicon Solutions provides IP and tools for testing and
debugging of SoC hardware and software. FS2 Navigator® OCI®
(On-chip Instrumentation) technology helps silicon vendors and their
customers develop and more effectively market their products, reducing
their development cycles, and allowing them to focus on delivering all
the potential of the system on silicon. For more information, call
Chuck Swartley at 503/292-6730 ext. 103 or visit the web site:
www.fs2.com.
About Mentor Graphics Corporation
Mentor Graphics Corporation is a world leader in electronic
hardware and software design solutions, providing products, consulting
services and award-winning support for the world's most successful
electronics and semiconductor companies. Established in 1981, the
company reported revenues over the last 12 months of about $600
million and employs approximately 3,500 people worldwide. Corporate
headquarters are located at 8005 SW Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon
97070-7777; Silicon Valley headquarters are located at 1001 Ridder
Park Drive, San Jose, California 95131-2314. World Wide Web site:
www.mentor.com.
Mentor Graphics and XRAY are registered trademarks of Mentor
Graphics Corporation. FS2, Navigator and OCI are registered trademarks
of First Silicon Solutions. MIPS, MIPS32, MIPS64 and 4KE are
trademarks of MIPS Technologies.
Contact:
Mentor Graphics
Jennifer Whiddon, 800/468-6853
jennifer_whiddon@mentorg.com
or
Rains & Associates, LLC
Gary Rains, 503/297-1791
gary@rains.cc
