Altera, MIPS and SLS announce MP32 core

SAN JOSE, USA: Altera Corp., MIPS Technologies and System Level Solutions (SLS) Corp. have introduced a MIPS-Based, FPGA-optimized soft processor for use on Altera's FPGA and ASIC devices.

The MP32 processor is a MIPS compatible applications class processor that inherits one of the largest ecosystems of software development tools and operating system support in the industry. The MP32 processor is the industry's first FPGA-based soft processor supported by Wind River's VxWorks RTOS and the MIPS Navigator ICS software development suite.

When combined with Altera's broad portfolio of embedded intellectual property (IP) cores, innovative FPGA design tools and the industry's leading portfolio of programmable logic devices, the MP32 processor is ideal for the development of flexible, single-chip solutions used in networking, video and digital signal processing applications.

“This joint development further reinforces Altera's commitment to embrace industry-leading processors as part of our embedded initiative,” said Vince Hu, vice president of product and corporate marketing at Altera.“We are pleased to give embedded designers the ability to leverage MIPS' rich software and tools ecosystem in a programmable logic device.”

“The MP32 processor provides architectural flexibility for multi-core designs with a seamless design flow,” said Art Swift, vice president of marketing and business development, MIPS Technologies. “Designers of MIPS-Based systems can use familiar tools and software while choosing the right platform—be it FPGAs, HardCopy® ASIC or standard cell ASICs—to meet their price, performance and volume needs. The value of the core has already been proven in key customer engagements where Altera has employed the MP32 processor.”

The MP32 processor is distributed and supported through Altera Embedded Alliance partner SLS. SLS brings an extensive portfolio of IP, systems knowledge and FPGA design experience to deliver fully validated, ready-to-deploy MP32 processor-based solutions.

“SLS is well suited to bring the MP32 processor to the market for a simple reason—we bring a decade of FPGA embedded system design expertise and proven success for customers around the world,” said Paresh Patel, CEO SLS Corp. “Our clients run the gamut from seasoned FPGA designers to embedded developers who are new to programmable logic, and we match their comfort level with the breadth of products and services we offer, all to meet their time to market goals.”

Familiar and proven software development tools
Software developers using the MP32 processor can leverage MIPS' extensive ecosystem of software development tools and operating systems. The processor is supported by the MIPS Navigator ICS software development suite and System Navigator EJTAG debug probes. For debug and trace, the MP32 processor is supported by TRACE32, a best-in-class debug and off-chip trace probe from Lauterbach.

For the first time, developers can run VxWorks on an FPGA-based soft-core processor. VxWorks delivers real-time performance capable of handling the most demanding time constraints. VxWorks enables developers to reuse software assets and utilize the Wind River Workbench software development suite to help accelerate time-to-market with run-time integrated tools for configuring, debugging and profiling software running on the MP32 processor. Wind River provides world-class support and a VxWorks board support package (BSP) for the MP32 processor.

"VxWorks is a proven, high-performance, reliable, commercial-grade real-time operating system addressing the diverse needs of embedded systems," Warren Kurisu, vice president of VxWorks product management at Wind River. "The expansive community of embedded developers who have standardized on VxWorks can now benefit from the flexibility and customization that Altera's programmable logic devices offer, while still retaining their existing software assets."

The MP32 processor is designed to be used with Altera's Qsys system integration tool. System architects can quickly and easily construct complex, flexible and differentiated solutions by assembling the MP32 processor with a broad portfolio of embedded, networking, video and digital signal processing IP from Altera and its global IP partners.

The MP32 processor is currently available from SLS, who sells and supports the MP32 processor core. The MIPS Navigator ICS software development suite and a VxWorks BSP for the MP32 processor are available from MIPS and Wind River respectively. The MP32 processor is royalty free and sold on an unlimited use basis when targeting Altera's FPGA devices.