Xilinx's Java Processor Core Enables Smart Appliances

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(04/22/01, 09:59:18 PM EDT)

Xilinx's LavaCORE Java soft processor core, part of the Xilinx Platform FGPA initiative and Empower! processing technologies, is now available. The 32-bit configurable processor core was developed by Xilinx AllianceCORE partner of Derivation Systems, Inc. and is a key enabler of embedded Java applications and smart Internet appliances, including wireless phones, set-top boxes, and distributed,secure network computers.

While Java application programs are typically run through a compiler with the resulting bytecodes interpreted in software, the LavaCORE processor executes Java bytecode in hardware, without software interpreters or code translators. This allows for rapid execution of Java programs with minimum hardware and operating system support.

The LavaCORE processor has 32-bit address and data buses designed to add optional modules including local memory, a floating point unit, DES encryption engine, and garbage collector. The instruction set implements Java Virtual Machine (JVM) instructions and can be used in embedded systems requiring small memory footprints and short Java applet run-times. Additionally, the LavaCORE processor is compact and user-configured for specialized applications where only a subset of the JVM instructions is needed.

The processor core software tools include a Java application linker/builder, debugger, and runtime environment. A configuration environment, available for an extra fee, can be used to develop customized versions of the LavaCORE processor.

The LavaCORE Java processor core is available for immediate use in the Xilinx family of FPGAs. The net list version of the LavaCORE processor core and software tool suite is available from Derivation Systems (www.derivation.com) starting at $12,000, and includes the linker/builder, debugger, and runtime environment.