Tools get to grip with virtual processor models

Virtual Processor Model Transformer (VPM-T), phase 1, is the latest addition to the range of powerful virtual system prototyping tools from Vast Systems Technology Corp.

Virtual Processor Model Transformer (VPM-T), phase 1, is the latest addition to the range of powerful virtual system prototyping tools from Vast Systems Technology Corp.

VPM-T enables Vast users to modify the instruction set of a Vast seed virtual processor model, a capability that up until now only Vast had possessed.

The Vast seed model consists of the instruction set, microarchitecture, pipelining and other behaviour of a specific microprocessor.

"With the transformer, Vast customers can generate a new VPM in the same microprocessor family by adding, removing or replacing instructions in the Vast seed VPM instruction set".

"The behaviour, timing and mnemonic aspects of an instruction can be changed independently", said Vast founder and CTO, Graham Hellestrand.

"The VPM-T enables our users to quickly enhance or change a Vast virtual processor model and make it available to software and hardware developers within their own organisations and their customer base".

"This capability has never been available to chip designers before, and can be a large competitive advantage".

During the last 12 months, Vast has delivered a family of tools with "constructor" capability including platform constructor technology (PCT) within Comet, which enables users to quickly configure an entire virtual system prototype, and Peripheral Device Builder (PDB), which automates the creation of peripheral device models.

"Our constructor class of tools puts more control in the hands of our users, becoming an increasingly valuable competitive weapon in their race for differentiation and time to market".

"For users who will continue to rely on Vast for creation of their entire virtual system, we will model the processors, buses, bus bridges and peripherals in a turnkey delivery system that runs with cycle accuracy at near hardware speeds", commented Alain Labat, Vast CEO.

Virtual Processor Model Transformer, currently in use by early adopters, will be available for general release in 2006 with pricing starting at $100,000 for a one-year, time-based, node-locked licence.

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