Software simulates integrated circuits.
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Press Release Summary:
Linux-hosted Virtual Platform is reconfigurable, functionally accurate simulator of microprocessor, SoC, or entire circuit board containing multiple ICs. Complete behavioral model of processor and peripheral hardware allows development teams to support early software development and integration. It replicates full functionality of development board or SoC design, allowing developers to exercise code without physical hardware. Platform can also connect to camera interfaces and LCDs.
Original Press Release:
Virtio's Virtual Platform Technology Now Available on Linux
Porting of User Interface and Framework Links Software Development Platform with EDA Tools
TORONTO, CANADA - April 18, 2005 - Virtio Corporation, creator of Virtual Platforms for embedded software development, today introduced a Linux version of its Virtual Platform technology. The Virtio Virtual Platform is a reconfigurable, functionally accurate simulator of an IC (such as a microprocessor or SoC) or of an entire circuit board containing multiple ICs.
Virtual Platforms provide a complete behavioral model of processor and peripheral hardware that development teams can use to support early software development and integration. A Virtual Platform replicates the full functionality of a development board or SoC design, allowing developers to exercise code without physical hardware.
"By porting its Virtual Platform technology to the Linux operating system (OS), Virtio has opened the door to closer integration between hardware and software development efforts. Integration issues are driving the synchronization of hardware and software development down to the RTL level," said Virtio's chief technology officer, Filip Thoen, "but typically EDA tools run under the Linux OS. This introduction marks the first time that functional models are available to the Linux community, allowing software and hardware developers to collaborate and use the same workstations."
Virtio adapted its software by replacing its use of Microsoft ATL and ActiveX with Trolltech's Qt application development framework. This allows the company to release new platforms for both Microsoft Windows- and Linux-based hosts as customers' demands dictate, according to Thoen. "The models themselves are OS-independent," said Thoen, "so once we develop a platform it will run under both OSes." The Linux version will also allow Virtio to work with EDA providers to more closely integrate Virtual Platform models with hardware design tools.
More About Virtual Platforms
The Linux-hosted Virtual Platform models embedded processor cores, memory and peripherals, providing developers with a framework for executing and testing code without needing access to hardware. The platform can also connect to real-world peripherals such as camera interfaces and LCDs for full system-level testing. The processor models can execute targeted binaries as well as an operating system and work with compatible debuggers such as Metrowerks CodeWarrior and ARM RealView.
Virtual Platforms also provide software developers with benefits after hardware becomes available. The models allow access to internal registers that cannot be reached in hardware implementations, giving software developers additional insight into software operation. The result is faster system debugging and integration.
Availability
Virtio's Linux-hosted Virtual Platform is immediately available start at $3,990 for a single-user license.
About Virtio
Virtio powers dramatic gains in software development by delivering early access to fast, full-function software emulation of embedded devices. Virtio is based in Campbell, California in the U.S.A with development centers at Campbell and the Alba Centre, Livingston, Scotland. Additional information about Virtio is available at www.virtio.com.
