CoreConsole Tool Simplifies Creation of FPGA-Based System-Level Designs
Tool Works with Actel's Soft ARM7 Family Microprocessor to Enable
Rapid IP Integration and Early System-Level Evaluation
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., October 24, 2005 —
Actel
Corporation (Nasdaq: ACTL) today announced CoreConsole,
an IP Deployment Platform (IDP) developed to simplify the construction
of FPGA-based, system-level applications. With CoreConsole, designers
can quickly assemble the components of an FPGA-based design, including
the system processor, configurable microprocessor subsystem and interconnect
bus. The tool will play an important role in facilitating the development
of single-chip, flash-based Actel FPGAs implementing CoreMP7,
the company's new ARM7 family soft IP microprocessor (Also
announced today; see separate press release entitled, "Actel
Delivers Industry's First Soft ARM7 Family Processor Optimized for FPGAs").
By allowing users to focus on the system rather than individual components,
the CoreConsole IDP enables early system-level evaluation and significantly
reduces overall system development time.
"The rich feature set and easy-to-use graphical user interface
of CoreConsole greatly eases implementation of Actel's CoreMP7 soft IP
microprocessor in our FPGAs," said Yankin Tanurhan, senior director,
applications and IP solutions at Actel. "The development of this
tool demonstrates Actel's commitment to advancing the use of the industry-leading
ARM7 family technology within programmable logic devices and making FPGA-based
system development obtainable for every designer."
A Robust Subsystem Builder
Use of Actel's CoreMP7 for system-level designs requires the implementation
of a supporting subsystem around the microprocessor core. Implementation
of this subsystem, which includes interrupt controllers, memory controllers,
timers, serial interfaces, I/O ports and Power-on Reset (POR) circuitry,
can be a tedious and time-consuming process if done manually. CoreConsole
facilitates the implementation and configuration of the subsystem by
automating the stitching of the components and allowing users to assemble
the subsystem graphically at the function level, thus cutting development
time from days to minutes.
An Effective IP Delivery System and Block Stitcher
Operating at the design-entry phase of the development process, CoreConsole
is a bus-centric tool that automatically connects IP cores to the interconnect
bus. The tool includes a block stitcher that enables IP blocks, including
user IP, to be easily stitched together into synthesizable and simulatable
RTL that is usable in Actel's Libero Integrated Design Environment (IDE).
Additionally, CoreConsole contains an IP Vault that provides access to
Actel's CoreMP7, the subsystem components and other IP that can be licensed
from Actel's DirectCore portfolio, as well as third-party IP from Actel's
CompanionCore partners.
CoreConsole is implemented at a level of abstraction above the RTL and
is independent of the interconnect bus, processor, subsystem and IP blocks,
enabling it to be used with different interconnect standards, future
processor IP and a broad range of IP blocks. Additionally, CoreConsole
delivers all relevant IP software drivers to be used with the microprocessor
software program development tools.
The CoreConsole tool's Windows™ user interface is graphical, intuitive
and easy to use, supporting the instantiation and configuration of the
processor subsystem functions, Actel DirectCores, Actel CompanionCores
and user-defined IP blocks. After the IP is stitched to the bus, the
tool generates a system interconnect test bench that can be used to validate
and debug the connection of the design within the FPGA fabric.
SPIRIT Compliant
CoreConsole uses methods defined by the Structure for Packaging, Integrating
and Re-using IP within Tool-flows (SPIRIT) initiative and includes underlying
structures based on XML code, allowing designers to use their SPIRIT-compliant
cores and ensuring the easy transfer of IP between vendors.
Pricing and Availability
The CoreConsole IDP tool is priced at $395 for a one-year license and
is available from Actel. For more information about CoreConsole, visit
Actel's Web site, http://www.actel.com/products/software/coreconsole/.
About Actel
Actel Corporation is the leader in single-chip FPGA
solutions. The Company is traded on the NASDAQ National Market under
the symbol ACTL and is headquartered at 2061 Stierlin Court, Mountain
View, Calif., 94043-4655. For more information about Actel, visit http://www.actel.com.
Telephone: 888-99-ACTEL (992-2835).
Contact: Stephanie Mrus, Actel Corporation, 650.318.4614
