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