Actel/ARM Develop 32-bit Processor For FPGAs

Co-developed by Actel and ARM, the Cortex-M1 32-bit, soft-core processor is designed for use with Actel's flash-based, M1-enabled Fusion and ProASIC3 FPGAs. Removing the license and royalty fees, Actel offers free access to ARM processor technology, enabling the development of low-cost systems. Based on ARM's three-stage Cortex-M3 processor pipeline, the configurable Cortex-M1 processor operates at speeds up to 72 MHz on the M1-enabled fusion programmable system chip (PSC) or ProASIC3 FPGAs. The core can be implemented in as few as 4,300 tiles, approximately 20% of an M1A3P1000 ProASIC3 device or 30% of a mixed-signal M1AFS600 PSC. The processor also connects to the industry-standard AHB bus, allowing users to build a subsystem and add peripheral functionality to the processor. In addition to existing tools for the ARM architecture, Actel supports the Cortex-M1 with its CoreConsole IP Deployment Platform, SoftConsole program development environment, and Libero integrated design environment, all of which are downloadable from the company's website for no charge. The Cortex-M1 processor will be available for early access in April. Pricing starts at $3.95 each. ACTEL CORP., Mountain View, CA. (888) 992-2835.