Software suite simplifies synthesis

A new generation of the Millennium programmable-logic-core software from Adaptive Silicon includes new functions for designers using the MSA 2500 programmable-logic core. The product includes new software applications for RTL checking and synthesis and new intellectual-property libraries for optimal mapping of complex functions into the MSA 2500.

The new version includes a customized copy of Synplicity's (www.synplicity.com) Synplify synthesis software for the MSA 2500 core architecture. Test results show as high as 30% improvements over nonoptimized synthesis methods. This version of Synplify optimizes the logic to best meet the area and performance requirements of designers using the MSA 2500 core. In addition, Atrenta (www.atrenta.com), formerly Interra, developed a set of rules for its Spyglass RTL design-rule checker. Adaptive Silicon integrated the resulting product into the Millennium product to validate the design suitability for synthesis and mapping into the MSA 2500.

Along with the third-party tools from Synplicity and Atrenta, a new graphical user interface guides designers through all the applications they need to implement an RTL design. These features simplify synthesis within an embedded core in a system on chip. You can set up the flow manager for use with the tools in architectural-planning mode to size the core and set timing budgets, detailed-design-and-mapping mode to implement a logic design into the core, and postsilicon mode to update the design with full consideration of timing constraints. Underlying scripts allow you to use the tools interactively or to run them automatically without intervention.

In addition to improving each of the basic Millennium applications, including mapping, placement and routing, netlist generation, delay modeling, and placement editing, the product includes a library of functions with corresponding implementation "generators." You use these intellectural-property elements whenever the Synplify synthesis tool infers the corresponding logic blocks or when the design-source description instantiates them. The suite costs $75,000 for a yearly single-user floating license.

Adaptive Silicon, 1-408-335-2700, www.adaptivesilicon.com.