Electronique International Hebdo, the Paris-based weekly newspaper for the electronics business in France, said that a majority of products would be using the technology in the 21st Century. 

The Internet Reconfigurable Logic (IRL) system combines the proliferating presence of computer networks such as the Internet, the popular Java programming language developed by Sun Microsystems, and new the Xilinx Virtex field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).  Custom hardware circuits created in Virtex FPGAs can be fully or partially reconfigured to change features or add new capabilities even after installation at the customer's premises. 

Using these three key technologies, Xilinx plans to deliver a methodology that will permit electronic manufacturers to create equipment whose FPGA-based hardware can be changed, upgraded or fixed over any kind of network, including the Internet, after installation.  In the consumer market, applications could include downloading games -- and the custom processors and software necessary to run them -- to a multi-functional digital TV equipped with an FPGA-based set top box that can reprogrammed for different uses. 

In the communications market, telecommunications base stations could be remotely upgraded as standards evolve.  And low-earth orbit communications satellites could be repaired or upgraded remotely by simply transmitting new digital programming files for the FPGAs into space. 

 “We agree with Electronique International Hebdo that the Internet Reconfigurable Logic system will be a major technology during the next century, and we are honored that the newspaper has recognized us as a leading innovator in semiconductor industry,” said Xilinx president and CEO Wim Roelandts.  “As the digital revolution continues, the importance of being able to remotely change the personality of any kind of electronic product will become more and more self evident.” 

The Internet Reconfigurable Logic system is part of Xilinx Silicon Xpresso initiative, which also was announced last year. The Silicon Xpresso initiative calls for increased use of the Internet to increase the productivity of digital designers who use programmable logic, and it provides them with enabling technology to bring a new class of Internet-enabled products to market. 

Xilinx is the leading innovator of complete programmable logic solutions, including advanced integrated circuits, software design tools, predefined system functions delivered as cores, and unparalleled field engineering support.  Founded in 1984 and headquartered in San Jose, Calif., Xilinx invented the field programmable gate array (FPGA) and commands more than half of the world market for these devices today.  Xilinx solutions enable customers to reduce significantly the time required to develop products for the computer, peripheral, telecommunications, networking, industrial control, instrumentation, high-reliability/military, and consumer markets. For more information, visit the Xilinx web site at www.xilinx.com. 

Xilinx is a registered trademark, and Silicon Xpresso, Virtex and Internet Reconfigurable Logic, are trademarks of Xilinx, Inc. Other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. 

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Editorial contact:
Mike Seither	Kathy Keenan
Xilinx, Inc.	Oak Ridge Public Relations
(408) 879-6557	(408) 253-5042
mike.seither@xilinx.com	kathy@oakridge.com