Athena Announces Prototype Development For PowerFlow Signal Processor; Dramatic Reduction in Program Complexity Key to Unlocking Performance
GAINESVILLE, Fla.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Nov. 9, 2005—
The Athena Group, a provider of high-performance,
low-power signal processing and security products, today announced
that as part of its efforts in the development of PowerFlow signal
processing technology, prototype development is commencing which would
incorporate all of the fundamental technologies required to realize
the new signal processing paradigm.
While previous advances in signal processing performance have
essentially relied on parallelism of small computing resources, the
PowerFlow architecture takes a fundamentally different approach by
integrating an array of algorithmic level accelerators in a
dynamically configured switch fabric. Previous attempts to employ
parallelism to add computational horsepower were unsuccessful because
those attempts to add horsepower also multiplied complexity. The net
result was unusable performance. PowerFlow represents the first new
signal processing paradigm in decades, an architecture which reduces
programming complexity and improves usable horsepower by orders of
magnitude.
"Software orchestrated signal processing is key to this
advancement," points out Monica Murphy, Athena CEO. "By allowing the
programmer to simply state the organization of the algorithm, the
sequential dependencies, and coupling that with evolved signal
processing technology, we have achieved a breakthrough in realizable
performance. Now, signal processing software need only observe and
manage the hardware resources, rather than manipulate every single
data transaction. The reduction in complexity is staggering, and the
leap in realizable performance is just as profound."
Athena has selected LSI Logic's RapidChip Platform ASIC technology
to implement PowerFlow. This first device will target software defined
radio and secure communications applications, two high throughput
applications that are ideal for PowerFlow. As part of the development
effort, Athena is working with early adopters to include PowerFlow
technology in their own SoCs. PowerFlow IP cores, complete with
development kits and reference platforms, will be available starting
in 2006.
"We're proud of the fact that Athena chose LSI Logic's RapidChip
Platform ASIC because it is the most cost effective Mil/Aero digital
logic solution in which to implement their PowerFlow signal processing
technology," said John Bendekovic, director of Mil/Aero Space
Marketing and Business Development, LSI Logic Corporation. "Customers
using this technology in RapidChip will reap the benefits of
high-performance signal processing and reduced time-to-market, with
the security and power advantages of a non-volatile single-chip
solution."
Key funding for the program has been provided by the Advanced
Technology Program, http://www.atp.nist.gov, which bridges the gap
between the research laboratory and the marketplace, stimulating
prosperity through innovation. Through partnerships with the private
sector, ATP's early stage investment is accelerating the development
of innovative technologies that promise significant commercial payoffs
and widespread benefits for the nation. Part of the highly regarded
National Institute of Standards and Technology, the ATP is changing
the way industry approaches R&D, providing a mechanism for industry to
extend its technological reach and push the envelope of what can be
attempted.
About The Athena Group, Inc.
The Athena Group, Inc. of Gainesville, Florida licenses signal
processing and security technology that delivers breakthrough
performance, reduced area, and reduced power consumption in a broad
range of SoC products. Athena technology is ideal for leading edge
applications such as secure e-commerce, wireless communications, and
image processing. Athena was founded in 1986 and is privately held.
Contact:
The Athena Group, Inc., Gainesville
Pat Rugg, 352-371-2567 ext. 307
Toll-free: 800-741-7440
Email Contact
http://www.athena-group.com
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