|
|
 
|
Mentor Graphics Announces New Bit-Accurate C++ Datatypes that Accelerate Algorithm Validation by 10x
WILSONVILLE, Ore.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—June 27, 2006—
Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq:MENT) today
announced the availability of Algorithmic C(TM) datatypes, new
high-speed datatypes based on ANSI C++. These arbitrary-bit-width
datatypes enable algorithm, system and hardware designers to precisely
model bit-true behavior in C++ specifications while accelerating
simulation speeds by 10-200x. Mentor Graphics(R) is making the new C++
datatypes immediately available to the electronics designers and
electronic design automation (EDA) tool vendors free of charge at
http://www.mentor.com/products/c-based_design/ac_datatypes.
Arbitrary Bit Widths and Fast Simulation
Algorithm and system designers need to specify bit widths to
create bit-accurate models used for system and algorithm validation.
Previous bit-width specifications require one of two compromises:
designers must either use native processor precision (64-bits for
integer), requiring them to truncate the results and thus introduce
artificial corner cases; or they must create a model using an
arbitrary bit width resulting in much slower simulation speeds.
Based on universal standard ANSI C++, the new integer and
fixed-point Algorithmic C datatypes offer the best of both worlds,
allowing algorithm and system designers to specify arbitrary bit
widths while improving simulation performance by 10-200x versus other
datatypes such as SystemC. Arbitrary bit widths are also critical for
high-level synthesis, as they allow hardware designers to make
tradeoffs between hardware size and numerical precision. For example,
a hardware designer would use arbitrary bit widths to explore
tradeoffs in area, performance, or power versus image quality in a
video application.
"By offering efficient fixed-point C++ datatypes, Mentor is adding
a valuable link in the C-to-RTL design chain. Mentor's open standard
enables Catalytic's hardware synthesis users to conduct faster
algorithm validation as they convert their floating-point MATLAB
descriptions to fixed-point ANSI C++ models, and ensure bit-width
precision throughout the entire implementation flow," said Dave Burow,
president and CEO of Catalytic.
Consistent, Intuitive Semantics Ensure Ease of Use
The new Algorithmic C datatypes also solve problems of semantic
consistency inherent in previous datatypes. The semantics of
Algorithmic C datatypes are intuitive for users familiar with ANSI
C++, enabling designers to become proficient in just one day. In
contrast, there is a semantic divide in SystemC between the limited
precision datatypes (sc_int or sc_fixed_fast), and the arbitrary
precision datatypes (sc_bigint or sc_fixed). Proficiency in one
datatype does not ensure familiarity with the others, making it error
prone to adjust bit-width in a given design. Consequently, one must
invest significant effort to master the coding style of both datatypes
in order to employ them in an optimal design implementation.
"The Algorithmic C data types improve the ability of designers to
move between different levels of abstraction, while minimizing
inconsistencies and ambiguities when a design is transformed from
algorithm to implementation," said Venkat Krishnaswamy, vice president
of Applications Engineering & Services, Calypto Design Systems.
"Calypto's customers are interested in bridging the gap between System
and RTL for verification as well as implementation. This is a welcome
technology to reduce that gap, making ESL design and verification more
viable."
Mentor Graphics will offer a suite seminar on the new AC Datatypes
at the 43rd Design Automation Conference in San Francisco, July 24-27.
To register, please go to www.mentor.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 over
$700 million and employs approximately 4,000 people worldwide.
Corporate headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road,
Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777. World Wide Web site:
http://www.mentor.com/.
Mentor Graphics is a registered trademark, and Algorithmic C is a
trademark of Mentor Graphics Corporation. All other company or product
names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective
owners.
Contact:
Mentor Graphics Corporation, Wilsonville
Nate James, 503-685-0449
Email Contact
Sonia Harrison, 503-685-1165
Email Contact
|
 Be the first to review this article
|
|
