Microsemi Announces SmartFusion Intelligent Mixed Signal FPGAs Now Available with uClinux

Emcraft Delivers uClinux and new Linux Cross-development Environment

IRVINE, Calif., March 01, 2011 — Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq:MSCC), a leading provider of semiconductor technology aimed at building a smart, secure, connected world, today announced that open source U-Boot firmware and uClinux are now available on SmartFusion intelligent mixed signal FPGAs. The availability of Linux on SmartFusion devices provides a convenient design environment as well as an array of open-source projects offered as starting points when developing support for required hardware interfaces. Emcraft Systems, a recent addition to the Microsemi partner program, provides SmartFusion customers a powerful, royalty-free software option with U-Boot and uClinux, opening up a new horizon of possibilities for application designers.

In addition, a development starter kit is available from Emcraft Systems for $119 (a limited-time offer) which includes a Linux evaluation board, cross-development framework and all source code and documentation needed to evaluate running true Linux on SmartFusion devices.

KEY FEATURES

• U-Boot firmware
• uClinux kernel
• BusyBox-based root file system with networking support
• Linux cross-development environment
• Development hardware, powered by single USB cable
• Royalty-free business model
• Full source code provided

"External memory utilized by Linux takes away any worries of having to squeeze required software functionality into the integrated eNVM and eSRAM of SmartFusion FPGAs" said Rich Kapusta Vice President Terrestrial Products, SoC Products Group at Microsemi. "Products based on Linux can be made feature-rich, highly user-friendly and royalty-free."

Pricing and Availability

Further information on the uClinux solution and the kit can be found at http://www.actel.com/products/solutions/ecosystem/emcraft_A2FLNX.aspx and can be purchased online at http://www.emcraft.com/

About Microsemi

Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq:MSCC) offers the industry's most comprehensive portfolio of semiconductor technology. Committed to solving the most critical system challenges, Microsemi's products include high-performance, high-reliability analog and RF devices, mixed signal integrated circuits, FPGAs and customizable SoCs, and complete subsystems. Microsemi serves leading system manufacturers around the world in the defense, security, aerospace, enterprise, commercial, and industrial markets. Learn more at http://www.microsemi.com.