19 October 2009
Xilinx working to bring ARM technology to its fpgas
Xilinx and ARM are working to enable ARM processor and interconnect technology to be used in Xilinx fpgas. Under the agreement, Xilinx is adopting ARM Cortex processor IP and using performance optimised ARM cell libraries and embedded memories for its future programmable platforms. Previously, Xilinx has offered PowerPC cores as part of its Virtex range of fpgas.
In addition, the two companies are working to define a version of the AMBA interconnect technology which is enhanced and optimised for fpgas.
The agreement is said to underscore Xilinx' commitment to adopt ARM technology. This is expected to enable programmable solutions to penetrate further into existing markets and to expand into new markets. Ideal applications will span the communications, automotive, consumer, aerospace, defence and industrial markets.
ARM's chief technology officer Mike Muller, pictured, noted: "By combining ARM's low power, high performance processor and physical IP technology and its Connected Community ecosystem with Xilinx' expertise in fpga technology, we can accelerate the development of applications across a broad set of markets for software developers and hardware designers alike."
Vin Ratford, Xilinx' senior vice president of world wide marketing and business development, added: "We believe this approach will foster a vibrant and robust ecosystem that will expand to provide both standard and emerging IP solutions that can be applied across many industry segments."
The companies are working with a number of IP providers and eda vendors to support an advanced version of the AMBA specification. The companies claim this will simplify and extend the capabilities of next generation programmable platforms and add the definition of the standard is aligned with the 'Socketable IP' aspect of the Xilinx Targeted Design Platform strategy.
Author
Graham Pitcher
Supporting Information
Websites
http://www.arm.com
http://www.xilinx.com
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