EnSilica launches version 2.5 of its eSi-RISC Development Suite

EnSilica, a leading independent provider of IC design services and system solutions, has launched the eSi-RISC Development Suite v2.5, a major new version of its complete development environment for evaluating the EnSilica family of eSi-RISC highly configurable and low-power soft processor cores and the development of embedded applications. The eSi-RISC Development Suite v2.5 features new capabilities for multicore support, significantly enhanced compiler performance and ultra low-power applications support.

With the increasing trend towards multicore eSi-RISC designs such as dual core secure processor applications and Posedge's innovative 7-core Residential and SMB Gateway, the eSi-RISC development Suite v2.5 now provides JTAG debug and control over all processors in the JTAG chain. In addition, optional load locked and store conditional instructions have been added to the instruction set to support multicore systems.

Compiler performance has also been enhanced with the provision of Link Time Optimization (LTO) support which can improve code density by between 10% and 15% through expanding the scope of inter-procedural optimizations to encompass the whole program. This has been achieved by upgrading the optimizing C/C++ compiler to GNU GCC version 4.6.1. Additionally, benchmarking the eSi-3250 32-bit processor core using the embedded processor CoreMark benchmark, which is rapidly replacing the traditional Dhrystone MIPS benchmark, shows it performs exceptionally well, delivering 2.359 CoreMark/MHz.

An approximate power reduction of 15% has been achieved with the inclusion of improved clock gating and operand isolation optimization in the RTL. This makes the eSi-1600 16-bit processor core an extremely viable ultra low-power alternative to 32-bit CPU or legacy 8-bit architectures (such as the 8051) and ideally suited for mixed signal applications.

The eSi-RISC Development Suite v2.5 also incorporates new peripherals including an AMBA AHB compatible static memory interface for external Flash and SRAM memory, AMBA AHB DMA Engine, AMBA APB I2C Slave and AMBA APB Smart Card interface supporting ISO-7816 standard. These have been added to the current eSi-Connect portfolio which already includes SPI, UART USB, I2C Master, Ethernet MAC, RTC and Timer peripherals.

Finally, support for Linux is also now provided with the latest port of the GCC, GDB Debugger and GNU binary tools. Additional software examples and documentation have also been included to speed up evaluation and development.  New application examples include a port of FreeRTOS, LwIP TCP/IP Stack and web server as well as SPI Memory and CFI Flash programmer. 

"The ease and speed with which processors can be evaluated and applications developed and tested, plays an important role in developers' choice of processors," said Ian Lankshear, CEO of EnSilica.  "The eSi-RISC Development Suite v2.5 includes a host of new features and capabilities to enable our eSi-RISC processor family to be easily evaluated and quickly deployed."

About EnSilica's eSi-RISC family
EnSilica's eSi-RISC family provides a range of high quality, highly configurable embedded processors that are easy to integrate. The processor subsystem is delivered fully targeted to customers' ASIC technology, thereby reducing the integration effort. eSi-RISC processors provide the flexibility to define a range of hardware functions to optimize the silicon area. On-chip memory requirements are reduced through inter-mixed 16-bit and 32-bit instructions, resulting in good code density without compromising performance. It is the only processor scalable from 16-bits to 32-bits, starting from as low as 8.5k gates. eSi-RISC utilizes the industry standard GNU optimizing C/C++ compiler and Eclipse IDE for rapid software development, and supports efficient debugging on the target through a JTAG interface and hardware breakpoints. The development suite is common to both 16-bit and 32-bit processors, protecting users' software investment.

EnSilica in profile
EnSilica is an established company with many years experience providing high quality IC design services to customers undertaking FPGA and ASIC designs. EnSilica has an impressive record of success working across many market segments with particular expertise in multimedia and communications applications. Customers range from start-ups to blue-chip companies. EnSilica can provide the full range of IC design services, from System Level Design, RTL coding and Verification through to either a FPGA device or the physical design for ASIC designs. EnSilica also offers a portfolio of IP, including a highly configurable 16/32 bit embedded processor called eSi-RISC, the eSi-Comms range of communications IP and eSi-Crypto encryption IP. For further information about EnSilica, visit http://www.ensilica.com. 

All trademarks are recognised and are the property of their respective companies.

For further information about EnSilica, view website: http://www.ensilica.com  and eSi-RISC product information can be downloaded at: http://www.esi-risc.com

Further information can also be obtained via e-mail: david.wheeler@ensilica.com

New Endevco piezoelectric
accelerometer series from Meggitt Sensing
Systems operates to 10⁸  Rad and +550°F (+288°C)

Meggitt Sensing Systems, a Meggitt group division, has introduced the Endevco® model 7703A series, a high-temperature radiation tested piezoelectric accelerometer family, designed for general vibration measurements on structures and objects, particularly within nuclear environments.

Available in ranges of 50, 100, 200, 300 and 1000 pC/g, the model 7703A series features a 10-32 side connector and highly stable shear mode construction, offering low base strain sensitivity, high resonance frequency, insensitivity to thermal transients and excellent output stability over time. The accelerometers have been tested in a radiation environment of up to 10⁸ Rad and are temperature compensated to +288°C (+550°F). They are ground isolated to prevent EMI/ground loop interference and are hermetically sealed to avoid external contamination. As a piezoelectric sensor, the accelerometer is a self-generating device requiring no external power for operation. A 10-foot high-temperature cable assembly and 10-32 mounting stud are supplied for easy installation and error-free operation. 

Endevco® model 7703A series, a high-temperature radiation tested piezoelectric accelerometer family.

Both 50 and 100 pC/g series ranges are well-suited for nuclear environments because of their high sensitivity and 10⁸ Rad Integrated Gamma Flux radiation rating (Integrated Neutron Flux of up to 10¹⁰ N/cm²), with triaxial mounting capabilities for vibration measurements across three orthogonal axes (via optional triaxial mounting block model 2950A). The 1000 pC/g version is ideal for high-sensitivity, high-output applications where vibration inputs are low. Additional applications include modal measurements on larger structures and objects, engine testing, oil and gas pipeline monitoring, nuclear power plant pipeline and valve vibration monitoring, aerospace metallurgy and automotive metrology.

Recommended optional accessories include the model 133 three-channel piezoelectric signal conditioner; the model 2771C in-line charge converter; the model 2775B signal conditioner; the model 6634C vibration amplifier; or the model 4990A-X Oasis 2000 computer-controlled system. All Endevco® accelerometers are accompanied by a comprehensive five-year product warranty. In addition, the series 50, 100 and 1000 pC/g ranges are available at specially discounted pricing as part of the -R replacement sensors program

Meggitt Sensing Systems in profile
Meggitt Sensing Systems, a Meggitt group division is a leading supplier of high-performance sensing and monitoring systems for physical parameter measurements in extreme environments. It has operated since 1927 through its antecedents--ECET, Endevco, Ferroperm Piezoceramics, Lodge Ignition, Sensorex, Vibro-Meter and Wilcoxon Research--whose portfolios form the basis of product lines offered by today's Meggitt Sensing Systems.  Meggitt's Endevco® range of piezoelectric, piezoresistive, Isotron® and variable capacitance accelerometers, piezoresistive pressure transducers, acoustic sensors, electronic instruments and calibration systems ensure critical accuracy and reliability within aerospace, automotive, defense, industrial, medical, power generation, R&D, space and test and measurement applications. Endevco® and Isotron® are registered trademarks of the Meggitt group. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

For further information, view website: www.meggitt.com  Refer to page 150