Product category:
Microprocessors, Microcontrollers and DSPs
News Release from: Tensilica | Subject: Xtensa LX
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 08 April 2005
Configurable processors enable latest
DSL design
UpZide is to develop a reference design using multiple Xtensa LX processors from Tensilica to implement the VDSL2 standard.
UpZide Labs and Tensilica have signed a development agreement in the area of VDSL2 datapath design Under the agreement, UpZide will develop a reference design using multiple Xtensa LX processors from Tensilica to implement the VDSL2 (second generation very high-speed digital subscriber line) standard
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 30 Mar 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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Because the standard is evolving, it's essential that the VDSL2 datapath component be designed with the flexibility required to adapt to all possible changes.
By designing with highly configurable Xtensa processors rather than RTL (register transfer level code), and by extending the instruction set to handle the data-intensive demands of the VDSL2 standard, UpZide will be able to make available for license a fast, efficient, and programmable solution for this rapidly growing market.
The VDSL2 standard provides broadband connections at speeds of up to 100Mbit/s symmetrical, which is fast enough to deliver the "triple play" applications of voice, data and video to a wide audience.
Further reading
Core claims top performance at 90nm node
The Xtensa LX reaches the highest clock rate published to date of any licensable 32bit processor in 90nm technology.
SoC cores take advantage of latest 90nm tools
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This technology is seen as key to delivering VoIP (voice over Internet protocol), VoD (video on demand) and HDTV (high-definition television) simultaneously over standard telephone lines.
"The evolving VDSL2 standard puts extreme requirements on system-on-chip designs; some can even be considered contradictory", according to UpZide's CEO, Dr Mikael Isaksson.
"Compared with existing VDSL, VDSL2 must offer both longer range and support the delivery of higher bandwidth services at low production costs, high port density and low power consumption".
"Tensilica's Xtensa processors will allow us to deliver these challenging requirements along with the flexibility inherent in a programmable solution".
"UpZide brings to the partnership unique expertise gained from designing several VDSL platforms in various semiconductor technologies, including FPGAs, ASICs and DSPs, since 1995".
"Tensilica's Xtensa processors are ideal for this project because they can be optimised precisely for this application, making them much faster and energy efficient than standard control processors, enabling UpZide to design a processor based solution with the power-area efficiency previously only attainable with hard-coded RTL design methodologies", Dr Isaksson added.
"VDSL2 design is challenging", stated Steve Roddy, Vice President of Marketing at Tensilica.
"It needs to be processor-based so it can be future proof to quickly respond to changes in standards and to different customer requirements".
"That's why we're happy to support UpZide's VDSL2 design efforts".
"Their extensive expertise with VDSL should give them a head start in the VDSL2 market".
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