Product category:
Intellectual Property Cores
News Release from: ARM
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 08 March 2005
Microprocessor goes soft for FPGA
implementation
Actel Corp and ARM have collaborated to provide a 32bit ARM7 Thumb family microprocessor to Actel's broad FPGA customer base.
Representing the first time an ARM processor has been licensed to a programmable logic vendor for implementation as a "soft" IP core, Actel Corp and ARM have collaborated to provide a 32bit ARM7 Thumb family microprocessor to Actel's broad FPGA customer base With the establishment of this partnership, Actel will take the unique step of delivering to developers a soft ARM7 family implementation for use in several of Actel's FPGA families
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 8 Nov 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Targeting the fastest growing market for design-ins, this move will create the first soft core FPGA version of the ARM7 family microprocessor that can be leveraged across applications ranging from high-volume consumer applications to high-performance, high-reliability products.
As a consequence, programmable logic users will be able to access ASIC-like design flexibility, with broad third-party support and trusted IP, as well as the added programmability and security benefits of Actel FPGAs.
"For the first time, ARM can provide FPGA designers the flexibility of a soft IP core thanks to the built-in security of Actel's Flash- and antifuse-based FPGAs", said Mike Inglis, EVP Marketing, ARM.
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"With this unique collaboration, the ARM7 family can now be designed into FPGA-based consumer products; FPGA development platforms for ASICs and prototyping; and especially for applications where low volumes have previously precluded the use of ARM processors".
"For nearly two decades, we have been saying that in the long run customers always get what they want, and this agreement is a perfect example", said John East, President and CEO of Actel.
"ARM is the leading provider of 32bit embedded processor technology, and FPGA users have, for a long time, asked for access to this industry-standard architecture in a soft-IP format".
"Through this historic partnership with ARM, we will extend the reach of the ARM architecture to include markets that could not previously afford individual access".
"We are bringing an FPGA-optimised ARM7 family core to the masses".
As part of the agreement, Actel will develop a family of ARM technology-enabled FPGA products.
The initial devices will be introduced in 2005.
The soft core ARM7 family processor will be delivered to customers using the unique security features available only in Actel FPGA devices.
Developers will be able to take advantage of the end-to-end integrated solution provided by the Actel Libero and ARM RealView tools, enabling them to rapidly develop products, which maximise functionality and achieve optimal design performance.
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