Tensilica Announces New Open Source Linux Emphasis, Broadens Processor Core Ecosystem with New Linux Partners TimeSys and Embedded Alley

Update: Cadence Completes Acquisition of Tensilica (Apr 24, 2013)

Growing Momentum behind the Industry’s Smallest, Lowest Power 32-bit Licensable Processor Core Capable of Running Linux

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – June 2, 2008 – Tensilica, Inc. today announced that Embedded Linux 2.6 and GNU tools based on GCC 4.2, both available at www.linux-xtensa.org, is now backed by two well-respected Linux industry partners. Embedded Alley Solutions, Inc. of San Jose, CA, provides Platform Optimized Linux Solutions, Linux consulting services and training. Timesys, of Pittsburgh, PA, is providing subscriptions to LinuxLink for Tensilica customers to access embedded software, tools, documentation, and support and Timestorm: an Eclipse-based IDE that provides a point-and-click interface for kernel and root filesystem configuration, profiling, testing, and debugging..

Open-source Linux is the target operating system for Tensilica’s Diamond Standard 232L processor, the industry’s smallest, lowest power licensable 32-bit core that supports the Linux operating system. For even higher performance and lower power consumption Tensilica’s Xtensa® configurable processor cores are easy to optimize for a specific Linux application.

“We’ve seen strong demand for open-source Linux support from customers developing Tensilica-based products ranging from wired communications to mobile multimedia, in markets spanning Asia, Japan, North America and Europe,” stated Steve Roddy, Tensilica’s vice president of marketing and business development. “This increasing demand for Linux on Tensilica processors has led us to form partnerships with leading Linux experts such as Timesys and EA Solutions. These two important partners accelerate the process of getting new embedded Linux devices quickly to market for our customers.”

“Adoption of Tensilica processor cores is growing steadily within major electronics companies, several requesting open source Linux support.” stated Greg Quiggle, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Timesys. “LinuxLink is designed to help embedded development teams quickly assemble a custom Linux platform for Tensilica processors by providing a powerful suite of tested Linux components, tools, documentation and support.”

“As more deeply embedded devices are embracing the Linux operating system, the device makers are embracing Tensilica’s low-power, high-performance processor cores,” stated Pete Popov, EA Solutions’ president and CEO. “By working together we can help Tensilica’s customers get new products to market much faster.”

About Timesys

Timesys is the provider of LinuxLink, a web-based software subscription for both first-time and experienced embedded Linux developers. LinuxLink provides the embedded software, tools, documentation and support needed to quickly build and test a custom Linux platform for a given processor. LinuxLink enables embedded development teams to unleash the innovation of Linux without sacrificing the quality, service and support of a traditional commercial embedded operating system. For more information, visit http://www.timesys.com.

About Embedded Alley Solutions

Founded in 2004, EA Solutions has grown to include development centers around the world, providing various embedded technology development solutions for consumer, wireless, medical, transportation and communication devices. From its headquarters in San Jose, California, the privately held company serves clients ranging from start ups to Fortune 500 companies. For more information, see www.embeddedalley.com.

About Tensilica

Tensilica offers the broadest line of controller, CPU and specialty audio and video DSP processors on the market today, in both an off-the-shelf format via the Diamond Standard Series cores and with full designer configurability with the Xtensa processor family. Tensilica's low-power, benchmark-proven processors have been designed into high-volume products at industry leaders in the digital consumer, networking and telecommunications markets. All Tensilica processor cores are complete with a matching software development tool environment, portfolio of system simulation models, and hardware implementation tool support. For more information on Tensilica's patented approach to the creation of application-specific building blocks for SOC design, visit www.tensilica.com.