December 16, 2009 -- CoWare, Inc. and Tensilica, Inc., the leading provider of configurable dataplane processor cores (DPUs), have collaborated to further enhance the integration of Tensilica's processor models into the CoWare tools to support CoWare's advanced functionality to ease software development on multi-core Tensilica-based SOC (system-on-chip) designs. The enhanced solution is being used by joint CoWare-Tensilica customers in automotive, consumer and wireless markets.

CoWare virtual platforms are the virtualized representation of an electronic system used for the purpose of software development. It removes the dependency on the availability of expensive hardware prototypes and development test benches and provides cost-effective software development capabilities for debugging and analysis. The updated integration of Tensilica's DPUs enables:

Enhanced debug visibility combining CoWare Virtual Platform Analyzer with Tensilica's software debugger; Reproducibility and predictability through a full scripting environment; High-speed simulation performance for the Tensilica subsystem thanks to the TurboXim mode of Tensilica's ISS models; Multi-core software development solution through debug synchronization and debug and analysis visibility across all cores in the system.

The joint CoWare-Tensilica Processor Support Package (PSP) solution has been actively used by developers worldwide to explore the best architecture for a given application combining the versatility of the Tensilica cores with the architecture design solution from CoWare. This joint solution has been significantly enhanced to address the increased software development challenges of today's multi-core designs. The unique combination of features, targeting the architect as well as the software developer, enables the joint solution to be used throughout the design process starting from the definition phase, then the development phase through to the deployment phase.

"CoWare's Electronic System Virtualization (ESV) tools have been widely adopted by some of our largest customers," said Steve Roddy, Vice President of Marketing, Tensilica. "Software development on multi-core designs is becoming increasingly critical to create differentiating products. Our partnership with CoWare is offering joint customers a unique solution to cope with the complexity and significantly pull in the design schedule with the ability to develop software before the hardware is available."

"Tensilica cores are being used in a wide variety of applications," said Marc Serughetti, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at CoWare. "The power and flexibility of the configurable cores enables designers to combine multiple versions of the Tensilica cores in one design. The partnership between our two companies addresses multi-processor platform exploration and reuse, and early software development – by providing the best design and software development environment for our joint users."

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