SAN JOSE, Calif., September 22, 2000—Xilinx, Inc. (NASDAQ:XLNX) announced today their leadership vision for the in-system programming and configuration of FPGAs, CPLDs, and configuration PROMs. A working group of industry experts, chaired by Neil G. Jacobson of Xilinx, today received the approval from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) with the official release of IEEE Std 1532. 

This new standard builds on the well-established communication protocol of IEEE Std 1149.1, commonly referred to as JTAG. Because it leverages existing JTAG infrastructure, IEEE Std 1532 is expected to be rapidly adopted and deployed by chip makers, tool vendors and end customers.

"The 1149.1 standard has been very successful in creating a platform for in-system programming and configuration, but the varied implementations from vendors has resulted in custom tool environments for the end user,” said Neil Jacobson, software development manager at Xilinx. “The 1532 provides a standard implementation leading to instant device support and opens new application possibilities such as concurrent programming." 

"Programmable devices are now found at the heart of almost every piece of electronics," said Mustafa Veziroglu, Xilinx general manager, Configuration Solutions Division. "A pre-engineered standard methodology for configuration of these programmable systems is a huge benefit to the industry and its customers. Xilinx is committed to silicon, software and hardware products that leverage IEEE Std 1532."

End users of programmable devices benefit from IEEE Std 1532

At its core, the standard makes programming faster, easier and more reliable resulting in less time spent designing and debugging custom environments. A key component of IEEE Std 1532 is the separation of programming detail from design detail. This allows device or design changes to be implemented without recompilation required by existing methodologies. System enhancements are easily implemented via the JTAG protocol, thereby providing a means for extending a products life cycle. Putting all these together along with instant support, concurrent programming and vendor independence, end users will realize faster development cycles, lower manufacturing and maintenance costs.

Almost 50 key stakeholders contributed to the development of IEEE Std 1532

The working group responsible for IEEE Std 1532 represented the interests of suppliers and consumers. Device manufacturers, boundary scan tool suppliers, Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) makers and device programmer vendors were represented in the working group, which included Xilinx, ASSET Intertech, Agilent, DATA I/O, EMC and JTAG Technologies, to name a few. A complete list of all members as well as additional information about the working group can be found at http://grouper.ieee.org/groups/1532/index.html.

ASSET InterTech a leading boundary scan tool supplier was an active participant in the standards committee. “This new standard defines in detail how devices need to be programmed in detail which makes multiple PLD support easy,” said Glenn Woppman, President and CEO. “The new 1532 standard paves the way for concurrent programming greatly reducing PLD programming times.”

Data I/O, a leading manufacturer of programming systems, actively participated in defining the new standard on the IEEE committee. "The new 1532 standard represents an advancement in providing programming solutions, to the advantage of the end customer," said Fred Hume, President of Data I/O Corporation in Redmond, Washington. "1532 enables quicker device support for programming centers, production lines and end users. Therefore, device manufacturers can get to market more quickly and inexpensively. It's a win-win both for those who adopt this new standard and for their customers."

"The cohesion IEEE 1532 brings to in system configuration will allow the industry to concentrate on progress where time was previously spent overcoming differences.  EMC, the industry leader in information storage, supports Xilinx in taking a leadership role in organizing this landmark standard," said Bob Russell, principal test engineer at EMC Corporation.

Harry Bleeker, managing director at JTAG Technologies, said, "JTAG Technologies is pleased to have contributed to the development of this important new standard. By means of new tools based on the IEEE Std. 1532, users will realize significant benefits from the standardization, including the ability to program multiple devices concurrently. This will shrink the total time required to develop programming applications as well as the production time."

About Xilinx

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 significantly reduce 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. 

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