Xilinx Internet Reconfigurable Logic (IRL) solutions will be targeted at emerging network appliances such as multi-use set top boxes, games, security systems and process controllers. In addition, IRL will be deployed in network equipment such as ATM, cellular base stations and satellite communications systems. The hardware for these Virtex-based products can be upgraded over the Internet to add new features or capabilities. 

"IRL technologies will be the basis for twenty first century products, which will have the ability to be dynamically upgraded with both software and logic on the customer premises,” said Wim Roelandts, president and CEO of Xilinx. “The concept of IRL will revolutionize the flexibility of network connected products.” 

The combination of three fundamental technologies will empower the design of radically new IRL products: pervasive networking, Java technology and reconfigurable Virtex FPGAs. These technologies will allow system-on-a-chip designers to create products that can be enhanced with new features, after installation, at the customer site. 

Xilinx today unveiled the new JBits and ChipScope tools to support Internet Reconfigurable Logic. 

JBits API 
The JBits API is a new Java-based tool set, or application programming interface (API), that allows designers to write information directly to a Xilinx FPGA to carry out whatever customer logic operations were designed for it. The JBits API permits the FPGA bitstream to be modified quickly, allowing for fast reconfiguration of the FPGA. With Virtex FPGAs, the JBits API can partially or fully reconfigure the internal logic of the hardware device. 

The Virtex architecture allows this reconfiguration to be as extensive as necessary and still maintain timing information. The JBits API also makes it possible to integrate the operations of the FPGA with other system components such as an embedded processor, a graphics coprocessor, or any digital peripheral device. 

JBits applications, or “applets,” can use the Java API for Boundary Scan, unveiled by Xilinx in September, for platform independent device configurations deployed locally or remotely over the Internet. These applets can be control programs, consumer interface programs, or updates. Previously, Java applets were only used to send software updates via the Internet. The JBits API now makes its possible to create Java logic applets that can used to send new hardware updates via the Internet. 

ChipScope Tool 
Xilinx also announced the ChipScope tool, a portable, interactive debug tool, written in Java, that allows designers to examine the operation of Xilinx FPGA circuits. The ChipScope tool, like the JBits API, is Internet enabled, allowing for remote debugging of IRL based products. Designed to show data flow, the ChipScope tool displays the internal states of all FPGAs in the system. The ChipScope tool simplifies tedious design verification required for system-on-a-chip designs. A waveform display permits both bit-level signal and multi-bit busses to be viewed in fashion similar to that used by circuit simulators. Moreover, a remote access feature allows multiple users to communicate with the hardware over a network for Internet team-based design. The ChipScope tool also allows the designer to functionally view tagged, but secure, intellectual property. This enables discrete core manipulation for system-on-a-chip design. 

The JBits and ChipScope tools follow two earlier Silicon Xpresso announcements to introduce the Java API for Boundary Scan and the Webfitter tool, plus the release of new Xilinx Foundation 1.5i design tools that provide instant access to web-enabled design. 

"This third phase of our Silicon Xpresso initiative is focused on advanced technology that will help electronic equipment manufacturers bring Internet-enabled products to their customers—businesses and consumers. International Data Corp. projects that the installed base of web-enabled devices will exceed 500 million by 2002," said Rich Sevcik, senior vice president software, cores and support solutions at Xilinx. "We're confident that the system-level features of our new Virtex FPGAs, combined with the innovative JBits and ChipScope tools, will provide the necessary foundation to help bring IRL applications into the mainstream. The Java programming language and the Internet will play a key role in the development of reconfigurable end products whose hardware literally can be upgraded over the network." 

"We have utilized many of these FPGA-based reconfigurable concepts in our ATM switches at IBM,” said Jean Calvignac, an IBM Fellow with IBM Corp.’s Networking Hardware Division in Research Triangle Park, N.C. “Our customers have been pleased to see product updates occur automatically via the network. These seamless updates have included both software and hardware changes. With its tools for Internet Reconfigurable Logic, Xilinx is broadening the appeal of this exciting technology.” 

"Compaq's PCI Development Platform embodies many of the Internet Reconfigurable Logic concepts which can benefit our customers today," said Gene Nelson, vice president, Compaq CustomSystems. "We are pleased that Xilinx selected Compaq's Xilinx FPGA-based ‘PCI Development Platform' in the development of JBits and ChipScope tools, saving them time and development costs by providing an open and flexible reconfigurable board on PCI bus. By Xilinx providing standardized support, we will be able to take these IRL concepts much further in future FPGA-based products." 

A number of other industry leaders, including, Siemens, Sun Microsystems Inc., and Synplicity, announced support for IRL services and products. In addition, two longtime Xilinx development partners in the reconfigurable logic arena, Annapolis Micro Systems Inc. and Virtual Computer Corp., announced Virtex-based development systems that support IRL. Beta versions of the JBits and ChipScope tools will be available in the first quarter of 1999, with pricing to be announced at that time. 

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 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.