Alta Group pursues system-level solutions for core-based ASIC design with models from DSP Group.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 16, 1995--Alta Group of Cadence Design Systems Inc. and DSP Group Inc. announced today that as a result of on-going cooperative efforts, Alta has incorporated instruction-level models from DSP Group's core digital signal processor (DSP) technology into its application specific Electronic Systems Design Automation (ESDA) offerings.

With the combination of Alta's and DSP Group's offerings, users can eliminate major classes of functional errors early in the design cycle and increase confidence in first time systems success. Until now, designers of core-based ASICs had to wait for silicon to determine if their hardware and software met functional requirements of the system. DSP Group's core technology, which includes the PineDSPCore and OakDSPCore, complements Alta Group's applications-specific ESDA libraries, tools, and services, which are targeted at high-growth, signal processing-intensive applications such as wireless communications and multimedia systems.

N. Charles Podaras, director of strategic alliances for Alta Group, said, "The PineDSPCore and OakDSPCore from DSP Group are a valued addition to Alta Group's application-specific offerings. The integration of DSP Group's instruction-level models within Alta's mixed-level system-, hardware-, and now software simulation environment represents a very unique and powerful industry capability. It also comes at a critical time, as advances in process technology coupled with the economics required in high-volume wireless applications are driving systems toward more highly-integrated, core-based, single-chip realizations. DSP Group has clearly been a leader in providing advanced DSP core technology.

"Alta is taking the lead in developing a methodology to address the major challenge in core-based design: hardware/software coverification. We believe that the solution must start at the system level and be developed in multiple steps."

The integration of DSP core models is said to represent the second step in Alta's hardware software coverification roadmap. Alta's first step came with the introduction of its Hardware Design SystemT (HDST). Both customized hardware (modeled with HDS) and software (executed on DSP Group's core models) can now be manually partitioned and verified in the context of a common system-level, executable specification. As a result, the user will enjoy dramatically increased confidence that both hardware and software are behaviorally compatible and work properly in a target system environment (though the interface logic will not be verified at this high level). For example, a designer of wireless communications systems will now be able to verify that both hardware and software components work properly in the presence of multipath interference, natural noise sources and other anomalies.

Irving Gold, director of sales and marketing for the semiconductor division of DSP Group, stated, "We recognize Alta Group as one of the leading electronic design automation companies in the world. Our customers have been asking us to link our cores with Alta Group's tools for the development of their next-generation wireless communications and multimedia designs. Now, end users will be able to deliver more complex and truly differentiated convergence products to the marketplace with a very high confidence of success."

The PineDSPCore and OakDSPCore models and Alta interface products expect to be fully released in Q3, 1995. Pricing is not available at this time.

Alta Group is a premier supplier of application-specific software tools, libraries and services for the design of electronic systems. The company's products are focused on the early, high-level portion of the design cycle where fundamental design decisions are made. Products of this type are classified as electronic system design automation (ESDA). Alta Group's target customers include electronic systems companies that design wireless communications, multimedia, networking and other DSP-based products.

DSP Group Inc. (NASDAQ: DSPG) develops and markets enabling digital signal processing and digital speech technologies and products for the PC, multimedia, and communications markets. Headquartered in Santa Clara, the company offers DSP algorithms, DSP core technology, and integrated DSP-based solutions such as the CT8000 speech co-processor for desktop/mobile telephony and teleconferencing products. DSP Group's technologies and products have been adopted by industry leaders including Microsoft, Motorola, Intel, LSI Logic, VLSI Technology, Sony, Sharp, Panasonic, Philips, Siemens, GEC Plessey, Matra, Alcatel, British Telecom, France Telecom, Spain Telefonica and others.

For specific information on PineDSPCore and OakDSPCore, contact Irving Gold, DSP Group Inc., 408/986-4315.

For specific information on the SPWT family of products and core model interfaces, contact Steve Glaser, Alta Group of Cadence Design Systems Inc., 415/378-7536. -0- Note to Editors: Alta Group, Signal Processing WorkSystem, SPW, Hardware Design System and HDS are trademarks of Alta Group. PineDSPCore and OakDSPCore are trademarks of DSP Group Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are those of their respective companies.

CONTACT: DSP Group Inc.

Beverly Rindfleisch, 408/986-4300

Alta Group

Steven Glaser, 415/378-7536

Tsantes & Associates

Eileen Elam Cross, 408/452-8700