Press Release
NXP Semiconductors Adopts Target's IP Programmer Tool-Suite for Next-Generation Automotive RISC Processor
DAC (Design Automation Conference), San Francisco, July 27, 2009 – Target Compiler Technologies, the leader in application-specific processor (ASIP) design tools, today announced that NXP Semiconductors has adopted Target’s IP Programmer tool-suite as the software development kit (SDK) for NXP’s next generation 16-bit ultra-low power RISC processor, MRK III, for automotive applications.
MRK III was designed by NXP for remote entry and security applications in the automotive industry, such as keyless access and immobilization. While previous-generation processors in the MRK family were typically programmed in low-level assembly code, C programmability was a key requirement for MRK III. The IP Programmer SDK with its optimizing C compiler will be used by MRK III software developers, both at NXP and at NXP’s customers.
Volker Graeger, General Manager of NXP’s automotive and identification development centre in Gratkorn, Austria commented: "NXP provides comprehensive solutions for passive entry and keyless ignition systems, for the highest levels of security and convenience in car access. With Target’s IP Programmer SDK, our customers can program our latest automotive microprocessor in C in a cost effective way, generating denser code in a much shorter time and with more flexibility than in assembly language. With IP Programmer, development of applications will be more efficient and time-to-market will be significantly reduced."
Gert Goossens, Target’s CEO, comments: “We are very happy to engage once more with NXP Semiconductors. In a very short time we could show value added to their 16 bit ultra low power microprocessor. First, the nML modeling capabilities of our IP Designer tool-suite for ASIP design were used to generate and validate a complete set of proven software development tools targeted toward the unique capabilities of the MRK III processor. Then, with IP Programmer an MRK III-specific SDK was derived instantaneously, and is now available to NXP’s customers. We look forward to support NXP and their customers as they realize exciting new products for the automotive market.”
Target’s IP Programmer provides a comprehensive SDK for ASIPs such as the MRK III. The SDK includes an ISO C99 compliant, highly optimizing C-compiler, an assembler, a linker, an instruction-set simulator, and a JTAG-based on-chip debugger.
MRK III utilizes a Harvard architecture featuring a 16 bit ALU. The instruction set supports 8 bit and 16 bit operations and is optimized for C programming. Due to the efficient 2-stage pipeline with a separate fetch and execute unit most instructions execute in a single machine cycle. The device provides 64 kByte of linear data address space and 128 kByte linear code address space, powerful addressing modes and high code density. Moreover, the device supports code/data protection mechanisms (System/User mode) and an efficient idle mode concept to reduce the power consumption.
About NXP Semiconductors
NXP is a leading semiconductor company founded by Philips more than 50 years ago. Headquartered in Europe, the company has about 28,000 employees working in more than 30 countries and posted sales of USD 5.4 billion (including the Mobile & Personal business) in 2008. NXP creates semiconductors, system solutions and software that deliver better sensory experiences in TVs, set-top boxes, identification applications, mobile phones, cars and a wide range of other electronic devices. News from NXP is located at www.nxp.com.
About Target Compiler Technologies
Target Compiler Technologies (www.retarget.com) is theleading provider of retargetable software tools to accelerate the design, programming and verification of application-specific processor cores (ASIPs). Target's IP Designer tool suite has been applied by customers worldwide for diverse application domains, including GSM, WCDMA and HSDPA handsets, VoIP, audio coding, automotive infotainment, ADSL and VDSL modems, wireless LAN, hearing instruments, image processing, video processing, and various control and interfacing applications. Target is a spin-off of the Belgian nano-electronics R&D center IMEC, is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, with North American operations in Boulder, Colorado.
Contact information
Jeroen De Lille
Target Compiler Technologies
Technologielaan 11-0002
B-3001 Leuven
Belgium
Tel.: +32-16-38 10 47
Email: jeroen.de.lille@retarget.com