Configurable processor patent challenge fails

A challenge to a US Patent held by Tensilica seems to have backfired.

A challenge to a US Patent held by Tensilica seems to have backfired.

US Patent 6,477,683, "Automated processor generation system for designing a configurable processor and method for the same", was issued in November 2002 and anonymously challenged in May 2003.

Not only has the patent withstood the challenge without modification, but 102 additional claims were also accepted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

This broad patent has been confirmed against the best-known prior art, creating an unusually strong foundation for Tensilica's Xtensa configurable processor product line.

"The challenge has largely backfired", stated Tom Halfhill, Senior Analyst for In-Stat's Microprocessor Report.

"The anonymous challenge has almost certainly strengthened this key patent".

"Having survived a lengthy re-examination and emerging with almost twice as many claims, it is unlikely to be challenged again".

"This is an immensely satisfying victory for Tensilica", stated Chris Rowen, President and CEO of Tensilica.

"This challenge has significantly strengthened one of our most important patents".

"The claims were upheld and the patent has been explicitly battle tested".

"Our strong position in patents is symbolic of our overall leadership in the configurable processor space".

Patent 6,477,683 covers the concept of automatically generating processor hardware and software from a configuration specification.

Tensilica is the only company with a fully automated approach that ensures that any changes made by designers to its Xtensa configurable processors are fully reflected in the corresponding automatically generated software, such as the compiler, linker, debugger, and instruction set simulator.

This patent is fundamental in making configurable processors widely usable by the broad design community.

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