PLDApplications announces immediate availability of PCI Express kernel IP core for ASIC and FPGA

By introducing the first truly available PCI Express Core of the market, PLDA sets the industry pace and allows ASIC and FPGA designers to start their PCI Express-based development right now.

Embedded Systems Conference, Boston, MA - booth #615 - September 16, 2003 - PLDApplications (PLDA – www.plda.com), a leading provider of high-speed interconnect solutions for the design community and the 2nd PCI IP (intellectual property) core vendor worldwide (source Gartner Dataquest, May 2003) today announced the immediate availability of its PCI Express Kernel IP core for ASIC and FPGA. Centered on a versatile IP Core Kernel designed to allow fast and full-speed prototyping on FPGA and low-risk portability on ASIC/ASSP, the offer also includes an Altera Stratix GX-based prototyping board to be available by year end. Today’s news provides designers willing to benefit from the PCI Express bandwidth advantage an access to a proven and valuable expertise in IP core designs and implementation. It also strengthens PLDA position as a key provider of high speed connectivity platforms for next-generation mobile, desktop, storage, server and embedded communications designs.

A PCI Express IP Core for ASIC and FPGA

Supporting 32/64-bit addressing and suitable for root complex, switch, bridge and endpoint implementations, the PCI Express Kernel IP Core from PLDA initially comes as a 4-lane version for up to 10Gbps bandwidth. All protocol layers (physical, data link, transaction) are implemented. The physical layer is compatible with FPGA manufacturers integrated PHY layers (for example Altera Stratix GX). Selected ASIC/ASSP PHY layers like those based on Intel PIPE interface are also supported and PLDA is currently conducting partnerships with main vendors. Featuring up to 6 BAR addressing spaces and up to 4 DMA channels, the core also provides support for up to 8 traffic-classes (TCs) and “virtual channels” (VCs).

An Enhanced Backend Interface and an Innovative Kernel-based Approach to match every Implementation

The backend interface features, continually enhanced by the feedback of more than 400 licenced customers worldwide, allow high performance, low-latency and ease of integration in any SoC and standard design flow. High effective bandwidth (more than 80% on 256-byte transfer) is ensured thanks to 2 deep address data pipelines. A dedicated configuration space interface is provided for upstream and downstream ports.

PLDA innovative approach relies on a versatile kernel architecture that offers a stronger stability compared to dedicated solutions. Core parameters configuration and multi-layer capabilities make root complex, switch, endpoint or bridge implementation a child’s play. Connection to standard core specialized busses (AMBA, CoreConnect, OCP-IP) is seamlessly achieved with the help of dedicated application notes. Lastly, the backend interface is configurable depending on lane width, system clock frequency and data path width.

A Complete Development Package

Like every IP core provided by PLDA, the PCI Express core is delivered with an entire ecosystem of support including hot-line services provided by PLDA IP designers to help customers cut time-to-market and ensure design’s success. Besides reference designs and application notes, a complete set of development and simulation tools like the IP Wizard for core customization and a VHDL/Verilog test bench are also delivered.

For additional information about PLDApplications PCI Express product offering visit PLDA booth #615 at ESC 2003, Boston (Sept 16-17), or email us at sales@plda.com.

About PLDApplications - www.plda.com

PLDApplications (PLDA) designs, delivers and supports a catalogue of high quality interfacing and processing standard digital products. Its highly-skilled R&D team specializes in intellectual property (IP) cores and programmable logic-based electronic systems, with a strong focus in the PCI and derivatives market (PCI-X, CompactPCI, PCI Express, PC104/PC104+).

Complete solutions from PLDA include IP core license, hardware, software, consulting services as well as full technical support provided directly from the IP designers.

Founded in 1996, PLDA is headquartered in Aix-en-Provence, France. Its products are available worldwide thanks to a strong distribution and partnership network wowen with companies including Altera and Reflex Consulting (complete distributors list is available on PLDA website).

PLDA is the 2nd PCI IP core vendor worldwide (Gartner Dataquest May 2003). We support more than 400 customers worldwide including Airbus Industries, Alcatel, BT Research Labs, CERN, Hewlett Packard, Hitachi, IBM, Intel, Lockheed Martin, NEC, Nokia, Northrop Grumman, Siemens, Sony, Sun and Toshiba.