Synfora Extends PICO Extreme Algorithmic Synthesis to FPGA Devices

Technology breakthrough builds on collaboration between Xilinx and Synfora, targets Xilinx Virtex and Spartan Devices

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 9, 2008 — Synfora, Inc. the premier provider of algorithmic synthesis tools used to design systems-on-chips (SoCs) and FPGAs, today announced the availability of PICO Extreme FPGA™, which extends algorithmic synthesis technology to FPGA devices. Building on the strength of PICO Extreme™ for SoC design (see http://www.synfora.com/news/press/021108.html), PICO Extreme FPGA enables the implementation of dramatically larger and more complex FPGA sub-systems such as video codecs, wireless modems or imaging pipelines and ensures more efficient implementation of complex algorithms than any other synthesis capability.

Using a recursive system composition methodology, proven in complex SoC designs, PICO Extreme FPGA allows familiar design styles, reduces runtime and achieves unprecedented quality of results that compete with hand design. Recursive system composition is enabled by Synfora’s innovative TCAB technology. TCABs – tightly coupled accelerator blocks – allow users to designate parts of their algorithm as custom building blocks. These application-specific building blocks are C procedures that can be designed and verified standalone. The PICO compiler then automatically integrates and schedules these blocks as if they were primitive computing elements. This process can be repeated to an arbitrary depth so that a building block can contain multiple building blocks, which improves the compiler’s ability to find better optimization, improving performance and reducing area by an average of 15%. Such a mixed bottom-up, top-down approach is very natural for the designer.

PICO Extreme FPGA extends the collaboration between Xilinx and Synfora to build a product that can synthesize efficient, multi-block hardware from a C algorithm. By transforming a sequential, untimed C algorithm into highly efficient RTL that meets the performance specifications and is optimized to the target Xilinx device (SpartanTM-3, VirtexTM-4 or VirtexTM-5 FPGAs), PICO Extreme FPGA shields the designer from implementation complexity. PICO Extreme FPGA integrates seamlessly with Xilinx ISE™ design tools and has been designed to take advantage of the embedded DSP and memory features of Xilinx FPGAs without the user having to make any changes to the algorithm. Quality of results (QoR) has been proven in a series of complex video blocks during Xilinx beta testing.

“We are working closely with Synfora to address the challenge designers face when implementing complex algorithms in an FPGA device,” said Kees Vissers, principal engineer, Xilinx. “Xilinx devices and PICO Extreme FPGA provide a compelling combination of low cost, high performance silicon linked to a high performance, high efficiency algorithmic synthesis technology.”

“PICO Extreme FPGA represents the next generation of algorithmic synthesis. It enables more complex algorithms to be created more efficiently and using a more intuitive design style. Key applications in video, imaging and wireless will be uniquely empowered by PICO Extreme FPGA,” said Simon Napper, president of Synfora. “PICO Extreme is the key next step in our quest to elevate the FPGA design to a C programming task, making FPGAs accessible to a wide market.”

Pricing and Availability
PICO Extreme FPGA is currently available. US pricing starts at $210,000. Xilinx and Synfora are collaborating to ensure training and support is available for both design creation and RTL integration. Contact Synfora www.synfora.com for more information about computer-based trainingit www.xilinx.com/esl.

About Synfora
Synfora, Inc. is the premier provider of algorithmic synthesis tools used to design complex systems-on-chips (SoCs) and FPGAs. Synfora's technology helps to reduce design costs, dramatically speed chip development, and reduce time-to-market. Synfora serves customers worldwide in the audio, video, imaging, wireless, and security segments of the integrated circuit (IC) design market. The company's investors are ATA Ventures, Foundation Capital, U.S. Venture Partners, Wafra, and Xilinx. For the latest information on Synfora, please visit http://www.synfora.com.

Synfora, PICO Express, PICO Express FPGA and the Synfora logo are trademarks
of Synfora, Inc.

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Editorial Contact:
PR for Synfora – Cayenne Communication LLC
Michelle Clancy, 252-940-0981, michelle.clancy@cayennecom.com