Tektronix, Altera, and FS2 Collaborate on Real-Time Logic Debug Solution for Altera FPGAs

Tektronix(R) TLA Logic Analyzers, Altera Quartus II Design Software Version 5.1, and FS2 FPGAView Software Provide Complete Debug Package 


BEAVERTON, Ore., Nov. 16  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tektronix, Inc. (NYSE:TEK), Altera Corporation (NASDAQ:ALTR), and First Silicon Solutions (FS2) today announced FPGAView(TM), a software package from FS2 for Tektronix TLA logic analyzers that enables real-time debugging of Altera(R) FPGAs. Using FPGAView, design engineers can quickly and easily measure signals inside their Altera FPGA design and select which group of internal signals to probe without having to recompile their design.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051116/SFW021 )

"Our partnership with Tektronix and Altera enables customers to increase their productivity and reduce debugging time when designing with Altera FPGAs," said Rick Leatherman, vice president and general manager of FS2. "By leveraging our debug intellectual property, probing technology and PC software expertise to create FPGAView, we provide a tool for designers to quickly and easily measure signals without having to recompile their design. This translates into real savings of both time and money."

Installed onto a Tektronix logic analyzer, the FPGAView software package is enabled by the logic analyzer interface feature introduced in Altera's Quartus(R) II design software version 5.1. The logic analyzer interface feature allows for a large set of internal signals to be mapped to a small number of output pins via a user-configurable multiplexer. With the Tektronix logic analyzer connected to the FPGA thru a JTAG port, FPGAView controls which internal FPGA signals are mapped to the output pins for real-time display and debug. Designers will find the combination of FPGAView, Altera's logic analyzer interface feature and the Tektronix logic analyzer easier to use and less intrusive than other debug methodologies.

"With the ever increasing density and sophistication of FPGAs, designers are looking for easier, more productive means of debugging internal nodes of the device," said David Bennett, vice president, logic analyzer product line, Tektronix. "Available for Tektronix logic analyzers, this new debug solution not only gives design teams the ability to view the internal operation of their Altera FPGA design but also allows them to correlate these signals with other signals on their board."

"As FPGA designs grow more sophisticated and pressures to reduce design cycle times increase, the ability to rapidly debug FPGAs becomes even more crucial, driving the demand for solutions such as FPGAView," said Danny Biran, Altera's vice president of product and corporate marketing. "Designers can take advantage of the advanced capabilities within Tektronix logic analyzers and the automated debugging process of FPGAView to quickly and easily complete their designs and meet their go-to-market goals."

FPGAView is available for all Tektronix TLA logic analyzers. In addition, FPGAView works with the ByteBlaster(TM) and USB-Blaster(TM) programming cables from Altera which eliminate the need to manually enter signal names into the logic analyzer.

Pricing and Availability

FS2's FPGAView will begin shipping in December 2005. Pricing for a one- year use license with support is US$1,695. Pricing for a perpetual-use license and three years of support is US$4,950. For further information, please contact FS2 at 503-489-0311 x103 or visit http://www.fs2.com/.

About Altera

Altera Corporation is the world's pioneer in system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) solutions. Combining programmable logic technology with software tools, intellectual property and technical services, Altera provides high-value programmable solutions to approximately 14,000 customers worldwide. More information is available at http://www.altera.com/.

About First Silicon Solutions

FS2, a wholly owned subsidiary of MIPS Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:MIPS), provides silicon IP and design services using OCI (On-Chip Instrumentation). This includes custom development tools for programming, testing and debug of FPGA, SoC, SOPC, ASSP and ASIC devices. FS2 products help silicon vendors and their customers develop and more effectively market their products, reducing development cycles, and allowing them to focus on delivering all the potential of the system on silicon. Additional information is available at http://www.fs2.com/.

About Tektronix

Tektronix, Inc. is a test, measurement, and monitoring company providing measurement solutions to the communications, computer, and semiconductor industries worldwide. With more than 55 years of experience, Tektronix enables its customers to design, build, deploy, and manage next-generation global communications networks and advanced technologies. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Tektronix has operations in 19 countries worldwide. Tektronix' Web address is http://www.tektronix.com/.

NOTE:  Altera, The Programmable Solutions Company, the stylized Altera logo, specific device designations and all other words that are identified as trademarks and/or service marks are, unless noted otherwise, the trademarks and service marks of Altera Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Tektronix is a registered trademark of Tektronix, Inc. FPGAView is a trademark of First Silicon Solutions. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

  Editor Contacts:
  Amy Higgins                    Chuck Swartley      Bruce Fienberg
  Tektronix                      FS2                 Altera Corporation
  503-627-6497                   503-489-0311 x103   408-544-6397
              

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051116/SFW021

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DATASOURCE: Altera Corporation



CONTACT:  Amy Higgins of Tektronix, [phone], or

; or Chuck Swartley of FS2, [phone],

ext. 103, or ; or Bruce Fienberg of Altera Corporation,

[phone], or 



Web site:  http://www.altera.com/ 

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