AMD Releases x86-64 Technology Simulator to Allow Developers to Test and Perfect 64-Bit Code.Business/High-Tech Editors LinuxWorld Conference & Expo FRANKFURT, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 6, 2000 AMD (Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, www.amd.com) A major manufacturer of semiconductor devices including x86-compatible CPUs, embedded processors, flash memories, programmable logic devices and networking chips. SimNow! simulator allows developers to debug To correct a problem in hardware or software. Debugging software means locating the errors in the source code (the program logic). Debugging hardware means finding errors in the circuit design (logical circuits) or in the physical interconnections of the circuits. their x86-64-based code prior to the release of the "Hammer" family of x86-64 processors AMD (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange :AMD) today publicly released the x86-64(TM) technology simulator, also referred to as the AMD SimNow! simulator, an application specifically designed to give BIOS vendors, tools developers, operating system operating system (OS) Software that controls the operation of a computer, directs the input and output of data, keeps track of files, and controls the processing of computer programs. manufacturers and application providers the ability to evaluate their x86-64 technology based software code prior to the release of AMD's forthcoming 64-bit capable processors implementing x86-64 technology. These processors, codenamed "Hammer," are planned to be announced To be announced (TBA) A contract for the purchase or sale of an MBS to be delivered at an agreed-upon future date but does not include a specified pool number and number of pools or precise amount to be delivered. at the end of 2001. The AMD SimNow! simulator is available free of charge at www.x86-64.org. AMD's x86-64 technology is designed to enable platform suppliers, developers, and corporations to transition to 64-bit computing environments while continuing to have leading performance on the vast installed base of existing 32-bit applications. Memory hungry applications such as large databases, CAD tools, and simulation engines that are currently limited by the 4GB addressing limitation benefit most from 64-bit computing. AMD is enhancing the x86 architecture The generic term x86 refers to the "CISC" type instruction set of the most commercially successful CPU architecture[1] in the history of personal computing, used in processors from Intel, AMD, VIA, and others. to include a 64-bit mode that has both a 64-bit address space and a 64-bit data space. AMD's 64-bit processors are planned to be designed to detect which mode is needed (32- or 64-bit) and compute accordingly. "SuSE believes that AMD has taken a revolutionary approach by involving the open source community so early in the design process of its 64-bit technology," said Markus Rex, vice president of development, SuSE. "By enabling access to the simulator, all Linux developers can help ensure a fast, high-quality port of AMD's x86-64 technology." "I'm very pleased that AMD asked CodeSourcery to port portions of the AMD SimNow! simulator to GNU/Linux. This simulator is designed to make it possible for kernel developers and compiler engineers to start porting GNU/Linux to x86-64 without waiting for prototype hardware. This port is a clear sign of AMD's commitment to GNU/Linux, and that's really exciting," said Mark Mitchell Mark Mitchell refers to:
LLC - Logical Link Control . "The AMD SimNow! simulator release is an important follow-on to the earlier release of the x86-64 architecture specification; AMD's open approach to their own hardware nicely parallels the openness of the GNU/Linux software model." "AMD designed and built the AMD SimNow! simulator to provide developers of x86-64 technology with tools for debugging their code and applications prior to the release of the "Hammer" family of x86-64 technology enabled processors," said Richard Heye, vice president and general manager, AMD Texas Microprocessor Division. "AMD is committed to supporting the Linux community and is proud of the Linux partners also supporting x86-64 technology including Ada Core Technologies (company) Ada Core Technologies - (ACT) The company that maintains GNAT. Ada Core Technologies was founded in 1994 by the original authors of the GNAT compiler. ACT provides software for Ada 95 development. http://gnat.com/. , CodeSourcery, and SuSE." About the x86-64(TM) Technology Simulator The AMD SimNow! simulator includes a model of a theoretical microprocessor. This microprocessor is based on the AMD Athlon(TM) processor, but has been enhanced with the addition of x86-64 architecture support. The simulator contains all the classic pieces of a PC system (CPU CPU in full central processing unit Principal component of a digital computer, composed of a control unit, an instruction-decoding unit, and an arithmetic-logic unit. , memory, Northbridge, Southbridge, display, IDE drives, floppy, keyboard, and mouse support). The design goal for the AMD SimNow! Simulator was to create an accurate model of a computer system from a programmer's view. The simulator runs under GNU/Linux. Features of the AMD SimNow! simulator include the ability to single-step, peek at registers and memory, test with 64-bit mode, and debug kernel bugs without having access to 64-bit processors. About AMD's x86-64(TM) Technology AMD's straightforward approach to 64-bit computing builds upon the x86 instruction set, one of the industry's most proven and widely supported technologies. AMD's x86-64 technology is designed to support applications that address large amounts of physical and virtual memory, such as high performance servers, database management systems, and CAD tools. The x86-64 technology seamlessly integrates into the current computing and support environment, and is designed to enable enterprises to deploy high performance 64-bit capable systems that build upon the billions of dollars already invested in 32-bit software. Visit AMD on the Web The x86-64 Architecture Programmers Overview including the full specification and developer support is available at http://www.amd.com/devconn/index.html The x86-64 simulator, and accompanying documentation is available for download at www.x86-64.org/downloads Additional information on AMD's x86-64 technology can be found in AMD's virtual pressroom at http://www.amd.com/news/virtualpress/index.html and at http://www.x86-64.org/documentation Other press releases and information about AMD and its products are available at http://www.amd.com/news/news.html About AMD AMD is a global supplier of integrated circuits for the personal and networked computer and communications markets with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, Japan, and Asia. AMD produces microprocessors, flash memory devices, and support circuitry for communications and networking applications. Founded in 1969 and based in Sunnyvale, California, AMD had revenues of $2.9 billion in 1999. (NYSE:AMD). About SuSE SuSE Linux AG, headquartered in Germany, and SuSE Inc., based in Oakland, CA, are privately held companies privately held company A firm whose shares are held within a relatively small circle of owners and are not traded publicly. focused entirely on supporting the Linux community and Open Source development. With a workforce of over 500 people worldwide, SuSE has offices all over Europe, Latin America and in the U.S. More than 50,000 business customers use SuSE Linux worldwide due to its stability and high quality. SuSE contributes considerably to Linux development projects such as the Linux kernel, glibc, XFree86TM, KDE (K Desktop Environment) A GUI-based user interface primarily for Unix and Linux machines, but also available for Windows and Mac. The source code is freely distributed and is maintained by developers around the world. , ISDN ISDN in full Integrated Services Digital Network Digital telecommunications network that operates over standard copper telephone wires or other media. 4Linux, ALSA ALSA Advanced Linux Sound Architecture ALSA Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association ALSA Australian Law Students' Association ALSA Alberta Land Surveyors Association ALSA Alpaca and Llama Show Association ALSA Air Land Sea Application Center (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture Advanced Linux Sound Architecture (known by the acronym ALSA) is a Linux kernel component intended to replace the original Open Sound System (OSS) for providing device drivers for sound cards. ) and USB USB in full Universal Serial Bus Type of serial bus that allows peripheral devices (disks, modems, printers, digitizers, data gloves, etc.) to be easily connected to a computer. (Universal Serial Bus See USB. (hardware, standard) Universal Serial Bus - (USB) An external peripheral interface standard for communication between a computer and external peripherals over an inexpensive cable using biserial transmission. ). Additional information about SuSE can be found at http://www.suse.de/en/ About CodeSourcery: CodeSourcery (www.codesourcery.com) is a provider of custom software engineering services, with a particular focus on free and open source development tools. Founded in 1998 and based in Atherton, California, CodeSourcery's commitment to quality has made it a popular choice with top systems vendors. Additional information about CodeSourcery can be found at http://www.codesourcery.com Cautionary Statement This document contains forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor Safe Harbor 1. A legal provision to reduce or eliminate liability as long as good faith is demonstrated. 2. A form of shark repellent implemented by a target company acquiring a business that is so poorly regulated that the target itself is less attractive. provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA) implemented several significant substantive changes affecting certain cases brought under the federal securities laws, including changes related to pleading, discovery, liability, class representation and awards fees and of 1995. Forward-looking statements are generally preceded by words such as "plans," "expects," "believes," "anticipates" or "intends." Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements in this document involve risks and uncertainty that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. Forward looking statements in this document include the risks that developers may not support the x86-64 technology or port GNU/Linux to the x86-64 technology in a timely manner or at all and that AMD will not successfully implement the technology in its Hammer products on a timely basis. We urge investors to review in detail the risks and uncertainties in the Company's filings with the United States Securities Exchange Commission. AMD, the AMD Logo, AMD Athlon and combinations thereof, and x86-64 are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. All other product names are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective companies. |
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