Xilinx adopts ARM processors, interconnect tech

Xilinx Inc. and ARM are collaborating to enable ARM processor and interconnect technology on Xilinx FPGAs. Xilinx will be adopting ARM Cortex processor IP, using performance-optimized ARM cell libraries and embedded memories for their future programmable platforms. ARM and Xilinx are also working to define the next-generation ARM AMBA interconnect technology that will be enhanced and optimized for FPGA architectures.

The agreement underscores Xilinx's commitment to adopt the complete range of ARM technology, leveraging ARM's processor strengths to provide customers and ecosystem developers with flexible computing platforms where their IP and software development can be shared and re-used on a broad scale. This is expected to allow programmable solutions to penetrate even deeper into existing markets and expand into new market spaces. Ideal applications will span the communications, automotive, consumer, aerospace, defense and industrial markets.

"Time-to-market pressures and escalating product development costs are driving the development of a new category of products that combines the processor-centric design methods and open standards common in SoC designs, with programmable logic flexibility," said Mike Muller, ARM chief technology officer. "By combining ARM's leadership in low-power, high-performance processor and physical IP technology and its Connected Community ecosystem, with Xilinx's expertise in FPGA technology, we can accelerate the development of applications across a broad set of markets for software developers and hardware designers alike."

"While Xilinx's adoption of ARM processor technology provides a robust roadmap for FPGA-based architectures, the collaboration and joint definition of the next-generation AMBA interconnect specification will deliver the optimization necessary to achieve the system performance, integration, reuse, and scalability required in these products," said Nick Tredennick, a technology analyst for Gilder Publishing. "It provides a common technology basis for IP and system solutions to be developed, scaled, exchanged and shared in a way that will have a profound influence on the programmable logic industry."