The Xtensa V outperforms all other cores on both "out-of-the-box" and "optimized" EEMBC tests in Consumer-mark, Networking-mark, Telecom-mark and Office Automation-mark benchmark suites, besting products from several high-profile processor companies, Tensilica said. When optimized versions of the Xtensa V were tested, the results were up to 27x the performance of competing cores.

Tensilica said EEMBC has developed a suite of benchmark tests that are based on the fundamental algorithms and functions of the most popular embedded-processor applications. Out-of-the-box tests measure performance using unmodified C code, while the optimized tests measure performance after modifications, or optimizations, have been made to the C code. Tensilica optimized the Xtensa core for those tests using the Tensilica Instruction Extension language. This TIE language lets designers develop an unlimited variety of user-defined instructions and requires no assembly coding, the company said.

The EEMBC results showed the base Xtensa processor performing anywhere from 17 to 111 percent higher than the ARM1020E on out-of-the-box benchmarks, while the optimized Xtensa core beat that ARM core by 7x to 33x. In some cases, the Xtensa core outperformed even full-chip, multimillion-transistor standalone processor ICs that are as much as 100 times its size, the company said. For more details on the benchmark, visit www.tensilica.com.

Actel Corp. has released a MIL-STD-1553B remote-terminal core for space, avionics and military applications. Designed for Actel's FPGAs, the Core1553BRT allows users to combine core and peripheral of choice on a single FPGA, as a way to avoid using standard products.

Actel said that independent MIL-STD-1553B test house Test Systems International verified that the core meets all requirements for dual-redundant remote-terminal operation. Actel said the core complies to the remote-terminal validation test plan in MIL-HDBK-1553 Appendix A, passing all protocol, electrical and noise requirements. Its dual-redundant remote-terminal bus can interface to standard external transceivers and legacy systems, allowing users to replace existing components and reuse current software drivers.

The Core1553BRT supports 10 message types and provides low-power operation from either a 12- or 16-MHz clock. Actel said it provides everything needed to incorporate a 1553B remote terminal into a system design, including development tools, documentation and software. Actel licenses the Core1553BRT for $4,995 with a single-use netlist. A fully verified development board that complies with MIL-STD-1553B should be available in October, priced at $1,895. See www.actel.com/products/ip.