Aptix forms partnership with MIPS Technologies

<%=company1%> has formed a partnership with Aptix Corporation to make MIPS processor cores available as part of the Aptix eSoCverify IP evaluation program. Through the eSoCverify IP Test Drive program, users will be able to browse a secure repository containing the MIPS cores and remotely evaluate them on the Aptix high-performance modeling platform. Authorized users can download emulation-ready models of the cores or have custom platforms integrated remotely through the eSoCverify program.

The partnership includes the MIPS32 4Kc, 4Km, and 4Kp cores. The 4Kc core includes a single-cycle multiplier and a MMU. Emulation- ready models of these cores will be available in the secure repository of eSoCverify IP Test Drive. The models are accessible from the Aptix website (www.esocverify.com). Using a standard browser, users can access information about the cores, including emulation characteristics (including throughput and resources required). Through the browser, users can then run MIPS-supplied evaluation suites on a high- performance Aptix hardware modeling platform. Users will be able to remotely modify the evaluation suites or upload their own test vectors to evaluate the cores.

The cores will have the "Verified by Aptix" designation, which certifies that the emulation-ready models are functionally equivalent to the MIPS supplied models. It also certifies the stated emulation throughput and emulation resource requirements. Users requiring further access to the models can have it by way of a two part electronic license — one part from MIPS and one part from Aptix. When authorized, users can download the models or remotely schedule custom integrations through the Aptix eSoCverify program. A unique attribute of the Aptix open architecture is that IP models and custom modules can be integrated as interconnected blocks. This enables efficient integration, preservation of design hierarchy, and absolute predictability of emulation throughput and emulation resource requirements.

"The MIPS32 4K family of cores has achieved widespread acceptance by silicon vendors targeting consumer and communications applications," said Ed Forbes, Director of Third Party Relations at MIPS. "The Aptix platform addresses the needs of our growing licensee base by scaling all the way from co-simulation to in-circuit emulation, while offering all the flexibility users require to verify MIPS cores in the target application environment. The accessibility, usability, and security of the eSoCverify and IP Test Drive program allows MIPS to bring its technology to the market in a new way and guarantees the level of security and control that our business model requires" added Mr. Forbes.

IP Test Drive is a product from Aptix that allows secure Web-enabled access to high-performance emulation. IP Test Drive also has an integrated repository and configuration management capability. The IP Test Drive product is targeted at organizations that need to share or distribute IP internally or externally and also need to provide shared access to high-performance modeling capability. Under the eSoCverify program, IP Test Drive is hosted by Aptix to provide access to emulation ready models of leading IP products and sample technology platforms.

Edited by Bruce A. Bennett
Managing Editor, Embedded Technology.com