Actel Offers High-Performance, Easy-to-Use FPGA-Based DSP Solution
CoreFIR Brings Efficient Signal Filtering, Detection
and Analysis Functionality to Actel’s Flash and Antifuse FPGAs
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., November 08, 2004 —
Actel
Corporation (Nasdaq: ACTL) today introduced CoreFIR, a finite impulse
response (FIR) intellectual property (IP) core generator optimized for
use with Actel’s flash- and antifuse-based families of field-programmable
gate arrays (FPGAs). CoreFIR, the latest addition to Actel’s DirectCore
portfolio, is an easy-to-use filter generator that uses a distributed
arithmetic implementation methodology to create FPGA-based low- and high-pass
digital filters for a variety of general signal filtering, detection
and analysis functions. Specifically designed for lower sampling rates,
CoreFIR can be implemented in the smallest Actel FPGA devices and provides
a level of flexibility and cost-effectiveness that is more attractive
than standard processor or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)
alternatives. CoreFIR generates filters to detect and analyze signals
for applications such as radar, sonar, ultrasound and others in the communication,
space, medical, industrial and military markets.
“With programmable logic becoming an attractive alternative to
standard DSP processors, CoreFIR offers designers an easy and cost-effective
way to implement DSP functionality,” said Yankin Tanurhan, senior
director of applications and IP solutions at Actel. “Using the
high-performance, highly efficient and easy-to-use core generator, designers
can implement digital filters that are customized for their application
and reduce development time from weeks to days.”
CoreFIR, optimized for Actel’s Axcelerator, RTAX-S, SX-A and
ProASICPLUS FPGAs, can create FIR filters that operate at
more than 160 MHz when implemented on Actel’s high-performance,
antifuse-based Axcelerator devices. Unlike standard DSP solutions, CoreFIR
is designed to be small and highly customizable. Using the core generator,
designers can input the number of taps, bit width and coefficient bit
width, and the ratio between system clock frequency and data sampling
rate for a variety of configurations, including signed or unsigned inputs,
fixed or variable coefficients, and embedded RAM. In addition, the core
generator outputs RTL code and a testbench, enabling the designer to
verify the specified design configuration. CoreFIR has also been thoroughly
verified in simulation by Actel.
Pricing and Availability
Actel’s new CoreFIR generator is available now. Pricing starts
at $500. In addition, a free evaluation version is available for download
via Actel’s Web site at www.actel.com/products/ip.
Actel DirectCore and CompanionCore Solutions
Actel offers its own system-level IP solutions, called DirectCores,
specifically designed and optimized for use with Actel devices. The company
also offers third-party IP blocks, called CompanionCores, which have
been tested and verified in Actel FPGAs. Covering applications ranging
from embedded systems to consumer and communications, the cores offered
include bus interfaces, communication controllers and interfaces, processors
and peripherals, encryption and memory controllers, as well as multimedia
and error correction.
Actel DirectCore and CompanionCore products offer seamless implementation
through Actel’s suite of internal and third-party EDA development
tools and quality documentation service and support, thereby streamlining
the design process, enabling faster time to market and minimizing design
costs and risks. Customers may access and download free evaluation versions
of cores from Actel’s broad IP portfolio through its Web-based
IP evaluation program at www.actel.com/products/ip.
About Actel
Actel Corporation is a supplier of innovative programmable logic
solutions, including field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) based on
antifuse and flash technologies, high-performance intellectual property
(IP) cores, software development tools and design services, targeted
for the high-speed communications, application-specific integrated circuit
(ASIC) replacement and radiation-tolerant markets. Founded in 1985, Actel
employs more than 500 people worldwide. The Company is traded on the
Nasdaq National Market under the symbol ACTL and is headquartered at
2061 Stierlin Court, Mountain View, CA, 94043-4655. Telephone: 888-99-ACTEL
(992-2835). Internet:: http://www.actel.com.
Contact: Stephanie Mrus, Actel Corporation, 650.318.4614
