Mentor announces Linux and Nucleus multi-OS support for Marvell Sheeva embedded processors

DAC 2009, SAN FRANCISCO, USA: Mentor Graphics Corp. today announced the availability of a combined open-source Linux and Nucleus operating system (OS) solution for the Marvell Sheeva MV78200 dual-core embedded processor.

“Our collaboration with Mentor Graphics’ embedded systems team has allowed Marvell to address the multi-OS needs of our customers using dual-core processors,” stated Dr. Simon Milner, vice president and general manager of the Enterprise Business Unit, Consumer and Communications Business Group at Marvell Semiconductor.

“The performance and real-time qualities of Mentor’s Nucleus OS complement the power and flexibility of Linux, while their tools and services give our mutual customers a boost in product development.”

This dual operating system support was co-developed by Mentor and Marvell, a leader in storage, communications, and consumer silicon solutions providing processors for devices that require enterprise-class performance with low-power consumption. Applications include network controllers, switches and routers, high-performance storage, enterprise printers, DVRs, NVRs and video surveillance, and high-volume SMB gateways.

“Our collaboration with Marvell delivers innovative system solutions that address the needs and requirements of our mutual customers today,” stated Glenn Perry, Mentor Graphics Embedded Systems Division general manager. “Multiple OSs on multicore SoCs, middleware, and services are critical for today’s low-power, high-performance devices, so we are excited about the breadth and depth of capabilities that can be realized with Marvell.”

The MV78200 is a dual-core, high-performance, low-power, highly integrated processor with the Marvell Sheeva CPU cores. Built on Marvell’s innovative Discovery system controller platform, the MV78200 is a complete SoC solution, optimized for low power operation and ideally suited to a wide range of applications ranging from sophisticated routers, switches and wireless base stations to high-volume laser printer applications.

Developers can use the dual OSs to manage separate functional requirements, yet allow them to easily and reliably communicate with each other. Mentor’s Nucleus OS is a fast, scalable and deterministic OS that can be used for operational tasks such as those required in printing drums and ink coverage for enterprise printers, whereas the Linux OS would be used for user interaction and communication.