Mentor Graphics Introduces VRTX Operating System for System-on-Chip Applications Based on MIPS32 Cores

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 9, 2001--Mentor Graphics Corp. (Nasdaq:MENT) today announced that its VRTX® Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) is now available for the MIPS32 4K(TM) embedded microprocessor families from MIPS Technologies (Nasdaq:MIPS; Nasdaq:MIPSB - ) and its licensees.

Like the MIPS processor architecture, VRTX is targeted for use in modern System-on-Chip (SoC) designs, such as set-top boxes, digital cameras, video game systems, routers and handheld computing devices, where memory efficiency and low power consumption are often just as important as RTOS features and performance. VRTX strikes the optimal balance between these conflicting requirements with a pair of compatible solutions that allow the developer to select the precise level of RTOS support that is needed by the application.

``Mentor Graphics understands the role software plays in the SoC design process, making them a leading solutions provider for this exciting new technology'' said Brian Knowles, vice president of marketing for MIPS Technologies. ``The VRTX operating systems complement our MIPS32(TM) architecture because they enable developers of MIPS-based products to maximize performance and functionality in a single-chip solution.''

For SoC designers the line between hardware and software is becoming blurred, and the need for integrated hardware and software tools is more important than ever.

``Mentor's unique approach to SoC design relies heavily on our ability to deliver all the critical components, from hardware design and modeling tools, to co-verification and embedded software debugging,'' said Mark Saunders, senior product marketing manager for the Mentor Graphics® Embedded Software division. ``Developers implementing designs using MIPS32 4K cores now have the development tools and RTOS solutions they need to create small footprint, single-chip solutions for high-performance SoC applications.''

The RTOS for SoC: Choice of Scalable Kernels for Flexibility

VRTX is the ideal RTOS for SoC, where maintaining a single-chip solution is so important, because it addresses the conflicting needs of footprint and performance with a pair of solutions that scale perfectly. The VRTX product family comprises two distinct solutions -- VRTXsa(TM) and VRTXmc(TM) -- which provide a continuum of features, performance and scalability options for today's SoC developers:

VRTXsa (scalable architecture): A full-featured yet memory-efficient RTOS provides a rich feature set, unparalleled performance and an extensive range of configuration and scalability options for developers to minimize their system for SoC applications.
VRTXmc (micro-controller): Upwardly compatible with VRTXsa at the Application Program Interface (API) level, VRTXmc is an extremely compact real-time executive, providing powerful task management and scheduling with negligible intrusion. For severely resource-constrained applications, VRTXmc provides a fast, lightweight means of controlling the application tasks and maintaining efficient use of the processing power.

VRTXsa is a functional super-set of VRTXmc and offers reduced interrupt and task-switch latency, extensive I/O support, sophisticated yet non-intrusive memory protection, and a complete set of modern RTOS system calls. VRTXsa supports a complete range of embedded applications through a modular architecture that enables developers to select only those components required by their application. This approach minimizes target memory requirements while providing the exact set of required services for the application.

Mentor Graphics is a member of MIPS Technologies' MIPS Alliance Program (MAP). The MAP provides members with broad marketing assistance, such as Internet and traditional marketing, technical assistance as well as promotional activities.

About Mentor Graphics Corp.

Mentor Graphics Corp. (Nasdaq:MENT) is a world leader in electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products and consulting services for the world's most successful electronics and semiconductor companies. Established in 1981, the company reported revenues over the last 12 months of nearly $600 million and employs approximately 2,750 people worldwide. Corporate headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Ore. 97070-7777; Silicon Valley headquarters are located at 1001 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, Calif. 95131-2314. World Wide Web site: www.mentor.com.

Mentor Graphics, VRTX and XRAYare registered trademarks of Mentor Graphics Corporation. VRTXsa and VRTXmc are trademarks of Mentor Graphics Corporation.. All other company or product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.

Contact:

     Benjamin Group/BSMG Worldwide       Jeremiah Glodoveza, 415/352-2628 ext. 559       jeremiah@benjamingroup.com       or       Mentor Graphics       Stephanie van Blommestein, 408/487-7392       stephanie_vanblommestein@mentor.com