»Intel
»AMD
»Tensilica
~ Xtensa processors are configurable, extensible and synthesizable
~ using Xtensa technology, system designer molds processor to fit application by selecting and configuring predefined elements of the architecture and
~ by inventing completely new instructions and hardware execution units that can deliver performance levels orders of magnitude faster than alternative solutions
~ once designer determines the optimal configuration and extensions, Xtensa Processor Generator automatically generates, in about an hour,
~ a synthesizable hardware description complete with EDA scripts as well as a complete optimized software environment
~ – including operating system support – matching each processor configuration
~ while processors are ideal for standard control functions, they also can take on a much bigger load than conventional 32-bit RISC processors
~ processors can be used to do “heavy lifting” instead of blocks of RTL
~ designers can configure and optimize Xtensa processors for their exact applications in a fraction of the time that it takes to design and verify RTL
~ inherent programmability of processor gives designers flexibility to fix bugs and add features purely in software at any point
~ - late in the design cycle or long after first shipment, which is impossible with hard-coded RTL
Tensilica applications:
~ networking equipment use Tensilica’s Xtensa processors, most frequently in the data plane
~ data processing functions such as filtering, coding, and encryption are performed real-time in networking equipment
~ Tensilica processors are utilized in these demanding applications due to the ability to configure custom data paths and execution units
~ networking integrated circuits include TCP/IP off-load engine, multi-protocol security accelerator, G.729A codec, and high-speed serial interface
~ Xtensa processors are also ideal for applications where throughput is critical and multiple data streams must be quickly processed
»Stretch Inc
~ software-configurable processors for the most compute-intensive applications
~ C/C++ programming tools enable you to automatically configure our off-the-shelf processors
~ to achieve extraordinary performance, easy and rapid development, and significant cost savings
~ flexibility to address diverse market applications and support evolving standards such as H.264 video encoding, 802.16-2004 wireless standards


Related terms(s)
»Reconfigurable_Computing »FPGA »DCAS