Tensilica forges alliance network

Tensilica forges alliance network
By Richard Goering, EE Times
October 10, 2000 (4:04 p.m. EST)
URL: http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20001010S0071

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Configurable microprocessor core vendor Tensilica this week will announce a broad series of industry partnerships in its Tensilica Xtensions network. Among the new capabilities brought to Tensilica users by the alliances are an Amba bus interface, an MP3 audio decoder and Dolby Digital audio decoding technology.

The intent of the network, said Bernie Rosenthal, Tensilica vice president of marketing and business development, is to bring "best-in-class products and services" to Tensilica users.

The partnerships include design centers, real-time operating system (RTOS) suppliers, peripheral and bus providers, application software developers, EDA companies, library vendors and foundries.

The Virtual IP Group (Sunnyvale, Calif.) is a new partner in both the peripheral and application software areas. This week, the Virtual IP Group will announce an Amba bridge for Tensilica's Xtensa microprocessor. The Amba bus is an ope n standard originally developed by ARM. With the Amba bridge, Xtensa users can plug in Virtual IP peripherals including Universal Serial Bus, Peripheral Component Interconnect, UART, Ethernet and memory controller functions.

Audio decoder for Xtensa

The Virtual IP group will also announce an MP3 audio decoder for Xtensa. The decoder complies with ISO MPEG-1/2 Audio Layer III and offers a hardware and software solution for creating MP3 players.

Meanwhile, Tensilica's new partnership with Dolby Laboratories (San Francisco) enables Xtensa users to license Dolby Digital AC-3 audio coding technology, allowing Dolby Digital decoding without the need for a dedicated microprocessor.

Sonics, also a new partner, is working with Tensilica on integration with Sonics' Silicon Backplane.

Other new Tensilica partners are design-services companies that have received training and support from Tensilica. These include Intrinsix (Westboro, Mass.), Global UniChip (Hsinchu, Taiwan), Silicon Media ( Tokyo), Tonbu (San Jose, Calif.) and the Virtual IP Group.

The Tensilica Xtensions Network includes some companies that have already partnered with Tensilica. This includes RTOS suppliers Accelerated Technology and Wind River Systems; EDA vendors Avanti, Cadence, Mentor Graphics and Synopsys; and library providers Artisan, Avanti, Nurlogic, Virage and Virtual Silicon Technology. Foundry partners include Altera and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.