Triscend Announces the Industry's First Configurable Processor.SAN JOSE San Jose, city, United States San Jose (sănəzā`, săn hōzā`), city (1990 pop. 782,248), seat of Santa Clara co., W central Calif.; founded 1777, inc. 1850. , Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 15, 1998-- E5 Configurable Processor Family and FastChip(tm) Development System Deliver Fast Time-to-Market and Instant Customization for Embedded Systems Embedded systems Computer systems that cannot be programmed by the user because they are preprogrammed for a specific task and are buried within the equipment they serve. Designers At Embedded Processor A CPU chip used in a system other than a general purpose workstation, desktop or laptop computer. Such chips are used by the billions every year in a myriad of products. See embedded system. Forum 98, Triscend Corp. today introduced its E5 Configurable Processor Family and the FastChip(tm) Configurable Processor Development System, the companion software development tool. Led by a seasoned management team of engineering, sales, and marketing executives from leading semiconductor companies, Triscend is the first company to focus exclusively on the emerging category of configurable processors. A configurable processor is a single-chip combination of a dedicated industry-standard microprocessor, programmable logic See PLD. , memory and a dedicated system bus. With these technologies tightly integrated on a single chip, an embedded system Any electronic system that uses a CPU chip, but that is not a general-purpose workstation, desktop or laptop computer. Such systems generally use microprocessors, or they may use custom-designed chips or both. designer can instantly configure a customized microprocessor derivative, permitting extremely rapid time-to-market advantages without sacrificing product differentiation Product Differentiation A source of competitive advantage that depends on producing some item that is regarded to have unique and valuable characteristics. . Triscend is developing configurable processor families based on leading microprocessors, including 8-bit, 32-bit, and DSP (1) (Digital Signal Processor) A special-purpose CPU used for digital signal processing applications (see definition #2 below). It provides ultra-fast instruction sequences, such as shift and add, and multiply and add, which are commonly used in math-intensive cores. The first Triscend configurable processor family, the E5, is based on a performance-enhanced version of the industry-standard 8032 microcontroller. The E5 family consists of four devices, all sharing the same architecture, but differentiated by the amount of programmable logic, system RAM and user I/O (Input/Output) The transfer of data between the CPU and a peripheral device. Every transfer is an output from one device and an input to another. See PC input/output. I/O - Input/Output . These four devices can be configured to replace dozens of existing microcontroller derivatives and can create thousands of new possibilities. "Embedded system designers face extremely intense pressure to get to market quickly with products that are tailored for their marketplace," said Stanley Yang, president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of Triscend Corporation. "A configurable processor is the ideal solution for embedded system applications where time-to-market and customization are essential. Designers can now avoid the shortcomings A shortcoming is a character flaw. Shortcomings may also be:
With the Triscend configurable processor solution, the development flow is the same as that used for a standard catalog processor -- from code development to in-system, real-time debugging. A designer first creates a processor derivative "on demand" by "dragging and dropping" desired parameterizable soft intellectual property (IP) peripherals from the Triscend library into the programmable logic. Then the designer returns to familiar third-party processor development software tools to create, simulate, and 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. the microprocessor program code. This design flow allows a designer fast embedded system customization without needing detailed knowledge of the configurable processor architecture. Triscend's Configurable Processor Architecture The Triscend Configurable Processor, also referred to as the Configurable Processor System Unit (CPSU CPSU Communist Party of the Soviet Union CPSU Community and Public Sector Union CPSU Commonwealth Policy Studies Unit (UK) CPSU California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo, California) ), combines system-level architectural advancements with state-of-the-art semiconductor process technology. "Triscend has created breakthroughs in several important areas, particularly in the Configurable System Interconnect bus (CSI CSI Crime Scene Investigator CSI CompuServe, Inc. CSI Commodity Systems, Inc. CSI Commodity Systems Inc. (Boca Raton, FL) CSI Crime Scene Investigation (CBS TV show) CSI Christian Schools International bus) and the CSI Socket, which is a processor-independent, open-system interface between the CSI bus and the programmable logic," said Chris Balough, Triscend vice president of marketing. "These innovations are the magic behind Triscend's 'derivative on demand' functionality, and they ensure the reuse of soft peripherals across all Triscend CPSU families." Triscend plans to openly document the CSI Socket so that users and third-party IP developers can create application solutions that will operate on all Triscend configurable processor families, now and in the future. Triscend programmable logic is called Configurable System Logic (CSL (Computerese as a Second Language) Said of people who love to speak high-tech words even though they often use them erroneously. See TLA. 1. CSL - Computer Structure Language. A computer hardware description language, written in BCPL. ). This technology utilizes SRAM-based Configurable System Logic cells (CSL cells) to implement the functions defined by the soft IP peripherals and other user-custom logic. The CSL matrix is a collection of CSL cells, interconnect routing, debugging circuitry and CSI Socket connections. It is optimized for a very tight integration with the system and the CSI bus, which enables "drag and drop A graphical user interface (GUI) capability that lets you perform operations by moving the icon of an object with the mouse into another window or onto another icon. For example, files can be copied or moved by dragging them from one folder to another. " configuration. The CSL matrix also supports advanced real-time processor-synchronized debugging of the entire system. E5 Family Specifications The E5 family is based on a dedicated, performance-enhanced 8032 microcontroller core providing 10MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second) The execution speed of a computer. For example, .5 MIPS is 500,000 instructions per second; 100 MIPS is a hundred million instructions per second. performance at 40MHz (MegaHertZ) One million cycles per second. It is used to measure the transmission speed of electronic devices, including channels, buses and the computer's internal clock. A one-megahertz clock (1 MHz) means some number of bits (16, 32, 64, etc. . The family offers up to 64Kbytes of on-chip, dedicated system RAM, up to 3,200 CSL cells (which equates to approximately 40,000 logic gates), uses a dedicated internal bus offering 40Mbytes/s transfer rates, and provides stand-alone operation from a single external memory that holds the processor code and CSL configuration data. The CSI bus consists of a 32-bit address bus and an 8-bit data bus. The CSI Socket defines the physical signaling interface between the CSI bus and the CSL matrix as well as the communication protocol between soft peripherals and the CSI bus. Similar to the application programming interface (API) used by PC software developers, the CSI Socket is processor independent and allows for the re-use of user-programmable soft IP peripherals. The SRAM-based CSL matrix features more than 3,800 flip-flops and 300 programmable inputs and outputs (PIOs), with a flexible interconnect structure and easy access to and from the system bus. -0- Device CSL Cells(1) System RAM User I/O Packages Samples TE505 512 8Kx8 123 100-TQFP, 208-QFP 1Q99 TE512 1152 16Kx8 187 100-TQFP, 208-QFP 3Q99 TE520 2048 40Kx8 251 208-QFP, 420-BGA 4Q98 TE532 3200 64Kx8 315 208-QFP, 420-BGA 2Q99 (1) Configurable System Logic Cells -0- The E5 family is fabricated fab·ri·cate tr.v. fab·ri·cat·ed, fab·ri·cat·ing, fab·ri·cates 1. To make; create. 2. To construct by combining or assembling diverse, typically standardized parts: at UMC UMC United Methodist Church UMC United Microelectronics Corporation UMC University Medical Center UMC United Microelectronics Corp (Republic of China) UMC University of Missouri-Columbia Group in Taiwan and is based on an advanced four-layer metal, 0.35 micron CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) Pronounced "c-moss." The most widely used integrated circuit design. It is found in almost every electronic product from handheld devices to mainframes. process technology. These devices operate at 3.3 volts with 5 volt tolerant I/O. Triscend FastChip Configurable Processor Development System The Triscend FastChip Configurable Processor Development System is easy to use, and yet is extremely powerful and sophisticated. This Windows(tm)-based software development system does two things: it manages the CPSU configuration via "dragging and dropping" soft peripherals into the configurable system logic; and it oversees the entire CPSU development flow. FastChip software provides seamless integration An addition of a new application, routine or device that works smoothly with the existing system. It implies that the new feature or program can be installed and used without problems. Contrast with "transparent," which implies that there is no discernible change after installation. with third-party microprocessor development tools, thus preserving existing software development flow for 'C' and Assembly, while leveraging the user's existing code libraries. Automatic header file In C programming, a source code file that contains common definitions and data structures that all programmers may use as required. Also called "include files," because the #include statement is used to incorporate them with the program, header files use a .h extension. See precompiled header. generation from the FastChip system to the user's third-party microprocessor development tools simplifies software development. The header file, which can be used by all 8032 development tools, includes symbolic names for the data and control registers and automatically maps all logical addresses to the CPSU's physical address. FastChip software also provides powerful debugging capabilities. In addition to providing its own powerful processor/logic co-verification capabilities, FastChip software also allows designers to use their existing processor debugging tools, by interfacing these tools to the CPSU's on-chip debugging circuitry. Initially FastChip software will support debugging tools from Keil Software (www.keil.com) and Chiptools (www.chiptools.com). Other debuggers will be supported during 1999. Triscend FastChip software includes a library of pre-verified, pre-licensed, parameterizable and predictable soft IP peripherals such as timers/counters, programmable I/O, UARTs, serial communication, pulse-width modulators (PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) A modulation technique that generates variable-width pulses to represent the amplitude of an analog input signal. Like its fixed-width pulse density modulation (PDM) cousin, the output switching transistor is on more of the time for a ), and FIFOs. Additionally, Triscend FastChip software easily supports soft IP peripheral library expansion from Triscend, users, or third-party developers. CPSU users and independent IP developers can create CPSU soft peripherals using standard EDA (1) (Electronic Design Automation) Using the computer to design, lay out, verify and simulate the performance of electronic circuits on a chip or printed circuit board. tools. Initially, logic synthesis The conversion of a high-level electronic circuit description into a list of logic gates and their interconnections, called the "netlist." Every logic synthesis program understands some subset of Verilog and VHDL. support will be available through Synopsys (www.synopsys.com) programmable logic products. Schematic capture schematic capture - The process of entering the logical design of an electronic circuit into a CAE system by creating a schematic representation of components and interconnections. support will be available for OrCad (www.orcad.com) tools. Pricing and Availability The first E5 family member, the TE520 featuring 2048 CSL cells, 40Kbytes of system RAM and 251 user I/O, will sample beginning in December 1998 and will be available in production volumes by March 1999. At first release, the TE520 will list at $55 in 100 piece quantities. The second device, the TE505, is expected to sample by March 1999 and is projected to sell for under $8 in high volumes in 2000. The FastChip Configurable Processor Development System is priced beginning at $495. A demo version 1. demo version - An early, barely-functional version of a program which can be used for demonstration purposes as long as the operator uses *exactly* the right commands and skirts its numerous bugs, deficiencies, and unimplemented portions. 2. of the FastChip software will be available on November 2 at the Triscend booth at Embedded Systems Conference Fall and through the Triscend Web site (www.triscend.com). A full production release of the FastChip software is scheduled for early 1999. About Triscend Triscend Corp. developed the industry's first configurable processor -- a single-chip combination of a dedicated industry-standard microprocessor, programmable logic, and a dedicated system bus. The Triscend configurable processor, along with the FastChip Configurable Processor Development System, enable embedded systems designers to significantly reduce time-to-market without sacrificing product differentiation. Triscend products are sold direct and through distribution partners such as Marshall Industries in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. and Internix in Japan. Triscend is privately held and venture capital funded. The Company is headquartered at 301 N. Whisman Road, Mountain View, CA 94043. More information is available at http://www.triscend.com. -0-
Editor Notes:
1. FastChip and The Configurable Processor Company are trademarks of
Triscend Corporation. All other brands or product names are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
2. Configurable Processor Glossary of Terms:
-- CPSU = Configurable Processor System Unit
-- CSL = Configurable System Logic
-- CSL cell = Smallest element of Configurable System Logic;
implements various logic functions
-- CSL matrix = Collection of CSL cells, interconnect routing,
debugging circuitry, and CSI Socket connections
-- CSI bus = Configurable System Interconnect bus
-- CSI Socket = A fixed information interchange protocol between
the CSI bus and CSL matrix. Similar to the application
programming interface (API) used by PC software developers, the
CSI Socket is processor independent and allows for the interface
and re-use of user-programmable "soft" IP peripherals.
3. See attached Industry Analyst Comments Sheet, which includes
their phone contact information.
-0- Industry Analyst Comments "The Triscend configurable processor is a well thought out single-chip architecture. Dragging and dropping soft IP peripherals from the on-line IP library into the programmable logic makes building a 'derivative on demand' a snap. This solution gives embedded systems designers everything they need to quickly get to market." Jim Turley, Senior Editor Microprocessor Report 408/328-3915 "A chip offering a well-established architecture with configurable I/O and peripherals on-chip is a unique approach to tapping into the $10 billion microcontroller industry, appealing to applications requiring customization and fast time-to-market." Tom Starnes, Director & Principal Analyst Embedded Microcomponents Worldwide Dataquest, 512/794-7755 "Triscend's announcement of their new configurable processor family and development system provides for the first time a combination of microprocessor and programmable logic on a single chip, well supported by tools, at acceptable performance and price, and with an excellent roadmap." Max Baron, Micro Logic Market Analyst Cahners In-Stat Group, 408/773-9677 "Triscend has made the configurable processor a reality. Its new CPSU family and FastChip development software are the future for high volume embedded processors. These processors expand the range of embedded applications by offering density, performance, and configuration." Nick Tredennick Nick Tredennick is an IEEE fellow and a prominent American manager, inventor and VLSI design engineer. In 1968 he obtained the BSEE degree, and in 1970 the MSEE at Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, and, in 1976 the Ph.D. at Electrical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, TX. , Microprocessor Design Consultant 408/395-6552 "The FastChip Configurable Processor Development System is a customization and time-to-market boon to embedded system designers. It allows the software team to map soft IP peripherals into the configurable system logic and manage the entire configurable processor development flow. FastChip's seamless integration with third-party microprocessor development tools and EDA tools makes working with 'C' and assembly, and using existing code libraries, a breeze." Jack Ganssle, Embedded Systems Programming Consultant and Columnist 410/675-1481 |
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