Accelerated Technology's Software Tools Provide Complete Development Package in Altera's Nios Development Kit

MOBILE, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 16, 2003--Accelerated Technology(R), the Embedded Systems Division of Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq:MENT), today announced that components of the code|lab(TM) Embedded Developer Suite are now shipping in Altera Corporation's (Nasdaq:ALTR) Nios Development Kit, Stratix and Cyclone Editions. Inclusion of the development tools in the Nios kit provides developers with a comprehensive software debug environment for system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) applications.

The Nios Development Kit, based on the newest version of the Nios(R) embedded processor, includes evaluation versions of the Accelerated Technology (AT) code|lab Debug featuring Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) debug support. Developers using the Nios kit can debug their source code with code|lab Debug and connect to their target with the code|lab Connections software. An evaluation version of the Nucleus (TM)PLUS real-time kernel can be implemented with the Nios kit by downloading the software on Accelerated Technology's Web site www.acceleratedtechnology.com/all_access/index.html.

In addition, Nios 3.0 has been updated to include support for the JTAG-based OCI(R) (On-Chip Instrumentation) core from First Silicon Solution (FS2). The OCI provides hardware-based JTAG debug facilities including run control, memory examination/modification, hardware and software breakpoints, complex triggers and real-time trace (both on and off-chip) using the FS2 BlackBox(R) debug probe. The BlackBox debug probe plugs directly into code|lab Debug.

According to Rick Leatherman, president of FS2, "FS2's OCI and BlackBox have been seamlessly integrated with Accelerated Technology's code|lab Debug. The silicon-based complex triggers and real-time fully qualified trace, coupled with a powerful debugger like code|lab Debug, will make software debugging faster and easier than ever before."

"Since its introduction in the fall of 2000, Nios has become a huge success, with many of our key customers having completed multiple Nios designs," said Craig Lytle, vice president of Altera's IP Business Unit. "Customers continue to use Nios because they like the results. Nios 3.0 is all about delivering the features that these designers want the most, including support by these powerful software development tools from Accelerated Technology."

"We are pleased to provide our professional tool suite to SOPC developers using the Nios Development Kit," said Robert Day, director of marketing for the Embedded Systems Division of Mentor Graphics. "Inclusion of code|lab in this kit is proof that Accelerated Technology is leading the way in tool support for SoC and FPGA designs in the embedded industry."

Availability and Pricing

Nios version 3.0 is shipping now in the new Nios Development Kit, Stratix Edition, for $995 and is available from Altera distributors or the Altera web site at http://buy.altera.com. Through June 30, 2003, existing Nios kit owners can upgrade from their APEX-based development kit to the new Stratix (or Cyclone) kit for only $495 and receive the Altera network protocols library, Nios embedded processor 3.0, a Stratix (or Cyclone) development board and an additional 1 year of updates. Active Nios subscribers will automatically receive a copy of the Nios 3.0 in May.

The code|lab Embedded Development Suite and FS2 BlackBox debug probe are available from Accelerated Technology (www.acceleratedtechnology.com) and First Silicon Solutions (www.fs2.com). For more information, please contact Accelerated Technology at 800-468-6853 or info@acceleratedtechnology.com.

About Mentor Graphics

Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq:MENT) 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 S.W. 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.

Accelerated Technology, Embedded Systems Division of Mentor Graphics Corporation, is located in Mobile, Alabama with sales offices and distributors worldwide. By providing embedded systems developers with a focus on service, well-documented source code and industry leading non-royalty based Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) software, AT's RTOS software shortens time-to-market and provides a complete solution for engineers. For more information, please visit www.acceleratedtechnology.com or email us at info@acceleratedtechnology.com.

About FS2

First Silicon Solutions (FS2) provides silicon IP and design services using OCI (On-Chip Instrumentation). This includes custom development tools for programming, testing and debug of FPGA, SoC, SOPC, ASSP and ASIC devices. FS2 products help silicon vendors and their customers develop and more effectively market their products, reducing development cycles, and allowing them to focus on delivering all the potential of the system on silicon. Additional information is available at www.fs2.com.

About Altera

Altera Corporation (Nasdaq:ALTR) is the world's pioneer in system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) solutions. Combining programmable logic technology with software tools, intellectual property and technical services, Altera provides high-value programmable solutions to approximately 14,000 customers worldwide. More information is available at http://www.altera.com.

Mentor Graphics and Accelerated Technology are registered trademarks and Nucleus is a trademark of Mentor Graphics Corporation. FS2, OCI and BlackBox are registered trademarks of First Silicon Solutions. All other company or product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.

Note to Editors: In the name code|lab noted in this news release, there is a pipe symbol between code and lab. This symbol may not appear properly in some systems.

CONTACT: Mentor Graphics/Accelerated Technology
             Jennifer Whiddon, 251/661-5770 ext 5032
             jennifer_whiddon@mentor.com
             or
             Altera Corporation
             Bruce Fienberg, 408/544-6397
             bfienber@altera.com