Fujitsu Microelectronics, Viewlogic Systems Partner to Create New SPARClite Model For HW/SW Co-Design.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 30, 1997--

Allows Embedded Designers To Do Simultaneous Hardware and Software

Design Using SPARClite

In a joint announcement made today at the Embedded Systems West Conference, Fujitsu Microelectronics, Inc. (FMI) and Viewlogic Systems, Inc. revealed they are jointly working on a SPARClite(TM) Instruction Set Simulator (ISS) model. This will be the first processor model to be developed and delivered using Viewlogic's Eagle technology for hardware/software co-development and verification. The new SPARClite model will work with Eaglei(TM), Viewlogic's tool that links the software development environment with hardware simulation and allows users to test hardware with software before prototypes are built.

The Fujitsu SPARClite ISS model will support all major functional capabilities of the SPARClite processor, including cache hits/misses for instruction and data cache, cycle counts, burst mode, write buffer, pre- fetch, and cycle stealing. The model will also be cycle accurate for performance estimation and analysis. In addition, special features will be integrated into the model which enable systems designers to control the simulation performance of the model versus timing accuracy.

The Fujitsu SPARClite ISS model is the first of its kind to be designed and developed with hardware/software co-development in mind. The model itself employs the Viewlogic Eagle technology, which allows it to connect with hardware designs developed in Verilog. This technology provides a standard, easy-to-use interface for developers to connect hardware simulation using Verilog XL and Viewlogic VCS(TM) simulators.

"The SPARClite ISS model will position us for growth across the SPARC architecture," said M. Somasundaram, vice president of Embedded Processor Products at FMI. "We partnered with Viewlogic Systems for the development of the model in order to take advantage of their knowledge in the hardware/software co-development arena."

"We made a breakthrough in usage technology by designing and developing the SPARClite with hardware/software co-development in mind at the outset," continued M. Somasundaram "This will allow our customers to immediately use hardware/software co-development methods and tools in their system designs. We believe this will become increasingly important in future designs."

The SPARClite model incorporates a GNU-based software development environment, which allows software developers to use SPARC assembly, C, and C++ source code. The "gdb" debugger allows designers to set breakpoints in the source code, view internal registers, and single step, plus more. In addition, Eaglei allows them to peek and poke the hardware for exceptionally detailed analysis and debug.

Hardware developers also benefit from the new approach by being able to use their hardware simulation debug environment in conjunction with the software debug environment. They, too, can set breaks and perform other functions in the Verilog source code, see input/output operations, single step, and even get waveform displays as the software is running. Developers could see a performance gain of 100x to 1000x versus Verilog models of microprocessors.

"The Viewlogic Eagle technology embedded in the new model from Fujitsu represents a departure from the normal processor model technology in the market today," stated Dr. Geoff Bunza, vice president of engineering at Viewlogic's Software Group. "This new approach allows estimation of performance, detailed modeling of instruction function, and accelerated modeling of software on hardware before that hardware is built. Customers have been using the Eagle tools for several years and they have seen incredible reductions in design cycle times as a result. The integration of SPARClite with the Eagle interface and Eaglei will make the development job that much easier."

The new SPARClite ISS model will be marketed by Viewlogic Systems. It will be priced at $15,000 and is scheduled to be available for shipping in restricted release form in the fourth quarter of this year and is scheduled for full production in 1Q98.

The Fujitsu RISC Embedded Microprocessor Series is particularly well-suited for graphics systems, digital cameras, printer products, video, scanner, networking and other office automation applications. FMI's SPARClite RISC series, which includes eight different product versions, has been designed into a wide range of communications and networking systems, PC peripherals, and consumer electronics products such as digital cameras, network switches, and laser printers.

Viewlogic was the first company to deliver HW/SW co-verification solutions and is the worldwide leader in the newly emerging embedded systems market segment. With the Fujitsu SPARClite ISS models and Viewlogic Eagle tools, customers can begin system integration and hardware/software verification using a virtual model of the hardware and thereby eliminating the software bottleneck.

Fujitsu Microelectronics, Inc. (FMI) designs and markets a comprehensive portfolio of advanced semiconductors and other leading-edge electronic products. Based in San Jose, California, FMI is a leading supplier of high-performance ASICs, memory devices, RISC embedded processors, multi- chip module and multi-chip package products, high-speed I/O products, telecommunications ICs, SPARC processors for workstation applications, graphics chips, plasma display and LCD products, ATM ICs, and Ethernet LAN devices. For product information, call 1-800/866-8608. Or visit FMI on the world wide web at www.fujitsumicro.com

Viewlogic Systems, Inc. is a worldwide supplier of electronic design automation software. The company's design tools enable electrical engineers to design state-of-the-art electronic products more efficiently, while reducing both development costs and time to market. The company offers software for both UNIX- and Windows-based computing platforms, along with a broad range of support services. For more company information, the Internet home page address for Viewlogic is http://www.viewlogic.com .

CONTACT: Viewlogic Systems, Inc.

Karen Wills, 508/480-0881

or

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