New Dolby Digital Consumer Encoder and Dolby Digital Compatible Output 5.1-Channel Encoders

Tensilica has added the Dolby Digital Consumer Encoder (DDCE) and Dolby Digital Compatible Output (DDCO) 5.1-channel encoders to its audio codec library for the Xtensa HiFi 2 Audio Engine, one of the most popular commercial audio cores for system-on-chip (SOC) designs. These encoders enable manufacturers to design consumer devices, including Blu-ray Disc players, HD DVD players, portable devices and camcorders, which support Dolby 5.1-channel surround sound as well as next-generation high-definition (HD) video technologies.

For more information, see http://www.tensilica.com/news_events/pr_2007_12_18.htm

Tensilica Enhances Xtensa Configurable Processor Families

Tensilica has upgraded its two Xtensa configurable processor families (the Xtensa 7 and Xtensa LX2) with new hardware options and software tool enhancements that make it appeal to an even wider audience of SOC (system-on-chip) designers. Highlights of these capabilities include a new, smaller general purpose register file option, new integer multiplier and divider execution unit options, two new AMBA (Advanced Microcontroller Bus Architecture 3.0) bridge options, as well as an easy-to-use new configuration tool that analyzes source C/C++ code and automatically suggests VLIW (very long instruction word) instruction extensions that lead to 30-60 percent improvements in general purpose code performance.

These new capabilities provide designers with the most productive configurable processor design environment, with automated features that ensure each processor design is correct by construction. For more information, see http://www.tensilica.com/news_events/pr_2007_12_10_xtensa.htm

New Integrated Real-Time Trace Support

Tensilica has added an optional full-speed, non-intrusive instruction trace capability to all of its Diamond Standard and Xtensa configurable processor cores. Tensilica’s TRAX-PC processor trace capture macrocell is Nexus 5001 compatible and ideal for debugging complex, challenging real-time applications such as engine and motor control. Software control and use of the on-chip TRAX hardware is fully integrated into Tensilica’s Xplorer integrated design environment (IDE) so software engineers can easily develop and debug programs while using the TRAX-PC trace macrocell.

For more information, see http://www.tensilica.com/news_events/pr_2007_12_10_trax.htm

NEC Electronics America Offers Free License for Tensilica's Diamond Standard 106Micro Processor Core

NEC Electronics America, Inc. will offer a free license for Tensilica's Diamond Standard 106Micro processor core used in NEC Electronics gate arrays to attendees of a co-sponsored webcast seminar with Tensilica, Inc. This offer, valued from $25,000 to $75,000, is valid through March 31, 2008, upon receipt of a signed purchase order.

To join the webcast, go to:https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=registration.jsp&eventid=97638&sessionid=1&key=F68674417431BD07F49139A0A29B605B&partnerref =evite1&sourcepage=register. For those unable to attend the livewebcast, it will be available on demand for one year.

Express Logic Introduces ThreadX RTOS Support for Diamond Standard 106Micro

Express Logic announced ThreadX RTOS and middleware support for Tensilica’s new Diamond Standard 106Micro 32-bit microcontroller core. ThreadX supports the entire line of Tensilica’s Xtensa configurable cores, and its Diamond Standard series of preconfigured cores. The addition of the 106Micro continues ThreadX support for the complete Tensilica processor family.

ThreadX is Express Logic’s small, fast, royalty-free RTOS for demanding real-time applications. Its royalty-free business model makes ThreadX extremely attractive for high-volume devices. ThreadX’s ease-of-use enables ThreadX-powered devices to get to market on time and within budget, which accounts for ThreadX’s success in the marketplace and its high-volume implementations. ThreadX has been widely embraced and is currently deployed in excess of 450 million electronic products. ThreadX is complemented by Express Logic’s NetX TCP/IP stack, FileX file system, USBX USB stack, and PEGX GUI development kit, all of which also are available for Tensilica’s new Diamond Standard 106Micro.

For more information, see http://www.tensilica.com/news_events/pr_2007_12_3.htm