Supports a series of embedded processors based on ARM, Intel, and MIPS architectures with a single FPGA design flow
— To accelerate the convergence of programmable logic and processors in embedded systems, Altera (NASDAQ: ALTR) announced the Embedded Initiative today. Through this initiative, Altera provides designers with a single FPGA design flow based on its Quartus® II design software.
This design flow includes new Qsys system-level integration tools, a common FPGA IP (intellectual property) library, and support for new ARM® Cortex™-A9 MPCore™ and MIPS® Technologies MIPS32 embedded processors. By utilizing this design flow, embedded designers can quickly and easily design for Altera's Nios® II, ARM and MIPS-based embedded processors, and the recently announced configurable Intel® Atom™-based processors. The Qsys system-level integration tools support various industry-standard IP protocols, enhanced quality results, and numerous productivity features using the industry's first FPGA-optimized network-on-a-chip technology.
Vince Hu, Vice President of Product and Marketing at Altera, stated, "The rapid increase in the convergence of FPGAs and processors is bringing a new level to embedded system design."
It enables customization. “Through the Embedded Initiative, Altera will enable designers in the automotive, industrial, military, and wireless sectors to conveniently leverage a rich ecosystem of processors, operating systems, and IP support through a single design flow, thereby reducing overall system costs, shortening time-to-market, and increasing system flexibility,” they said.
As part of this initiative, Altera will expand its current Embedded Partner Program to encompass not only the FPGA sector but also the broader ecosystems of ARM, Intel, and MIPS Technologies. Furthermore, Altera will collaborate with these companies to enhance this design flow and make a greater number of FPGA-enabled embedded processing options available.
Intel recently announced details regarding a new configurable Atom-based processor. This processor combines the Intel Atom E600 series processor with an Altera FPGA in a multi-chip package. This package not only provides additional flexibility for customers seeking to integrate proprietary I/O or acceleration but also enables developers to quickly differentiate their designs according to changing demands.
"Flexibility is important for embedded designers, and FPGA technology provides additional options. By recently announcing the integration of Intel Atom-based processors and Altera FPGAs into a multi-chip package, Intel is now able to continue providing intelligent and flexible solutions for embedded developers," said Doug Davis, Intel's Vice President and General Manager of Embedded Solutions.
Along with this, Altera also announced earlier this year that it had signed an agreement with ARM to license a series of technologies, including the Cortex-A9 microprocessor. Altera will offer a product integrating a hard-implemented Cortex A9 processor-based subsystem with 28nm FPGA technology. More details regarding these ARM processor-based devices are expected in 2011.
Eric Schorn, Vice President of Marketing for ARM’s Processor Division, stated, “ARM recognizes the importance of the FPGA community and is working with partners to provide the flexibility embedded designers need. By combining ARM’s advanced technology in low-power, high-performance processor IP with Altera’s expertise in FPGA technology, we will be able to provide a new level of flexibility through a common software flow, and therefore