Navigator(TM) ICS Speeds Software Development for MIPS-Based(TM) Embedded Systems and SoCs
"Developers today face mounting pressures in controlling the development timeline and optimizing embedded systems to meet performance and cost requirements," said Chris Rommel, analyst, Embedded Software Practice, Venture Development Corporation. "As more embedded projects migrate to Linux and developers look for ways to save valuable time and resources, the ability to effectively and efficiently debug and profile will continue to be placed at a premium."
MIPS Navigator ICS includes unique new tools and plug-ins for coding, debugging and analyzing Linux targets. For coding, this includes as standard a MIPS-optimized version of Sourcery G++, a complete C/C++ development environment from CodeSourcery based on the GNU Toolchain and the Eclipse(TM) Integrated Development Environment (IDE). With Sourcery G++, developers can output non-position independent code (PIC) for higher performance for Linux applications.
For debugging with Navigator ICS, developers can leverage an innovative new optional plug-in-the Arriba Linux Debugger-that overcomes the traditional shortcomings of Linux debugging methods. With it, there is no need to instrument, recompile or use kernel patches. The tool provides complete debugging capabilities, including debugging drivers and applications over a single connection, debugging multiple threads/processes, and debugging Shared Libraries. Since it does not pre-empt the kernel, the Arriba Linux Debugger is ideal for multimedia/real-time applications and drivers. Available through an exclusive agreement with Viosoft Corporation, it is also portable and easily re-targeted to custom platforms.
Another unique new tool for the Navigator ICS is the Linux Event Analyzer (LEA). The optional LEA plug-in-also provided through an exclusive agreement with Viosoft-provides kernel and application-level profiling for all MIPS-Based(TM) devices running Linux. It captures all Linux events occurring on the target, then graphically displays events over time with details just a mouse click away. The LEA complements the recently introduced Hot Spot Analyzer (HSA) plug-in from MIPS Technologies. Like the Arriba Linux Debugger, there is no need to recompile the kernel or instrument the application-a benefit for time-critical applications.
"With Navigator ICS, we're going beyond traditional development tools and methods with new and unique approaches to Linux development that will boost productivity for a large majority of MIPS developers," said Jack Browne, vice president of marketing, Processor Business Group, MIPS Technologies. "Navigator ICS can be used across the entire system, providing low-level debug to high-level application analysis. MIPS Technologies uniquely offers a combination of processor IP and on-chip debug hardware IP as well as EJTAG probes and software to take advantage of the core and on-chip debug hardware. Together with our broad offering of analog and mixed-signal IP, this gives developers a comprehensive offering to speed development of next-generation embedded systems and SoCs."
Navigator ICS is optimized for the unique features of the MIPS architecture and cores, and is built to harness the power of MIPS System Navigator(TM) probes. All of the integrated components are pre-verified, giving developers confidence that the components will work together. Coupled with MIPS Technologies' state-of-the-art On-Chip Instrumentation (OCI(TM)), the suite offers customers a unique view into their SoC operation. For hardware and software developers who are creating MIPS-based SoCs and embedded systems, Navigator ICS offers a set of standard and optional functions, including:
-- Eclipse based-IDE with C/C++ CDT
-- Bare-iron & GNU/Linux tool chain optimized for MIPS cores: Sourcery G++
from CodeSourcery-industry leading GNU-based toolchain
-- Projects to provide quick start for users
-- Support for all MIPS System Navigator probes
-- MIPSsim(TM) executables for all current MIPS cores
-- Standard plug-ins for control and configuration of targets
-- Standard plug-ins for debug and optional plug-ins for RTOS and
Linux- aware debug
-- Standard plug-ins for analysis and optional plug-ins for advanced
analysis
Pricing and Availability
MIPS Navigator ICS will be available this quarter from MIPS Technologies through email at Email Contact and on the company's website at http://www.mips.com/company/shop/. The Arriba Linux Debugger and Linux Event Analyzer are available from MIPS Technologies for use within MIPS Navigator ICS, and also as plug-ins for other Eclipse-based environments. Licensing for Navigator ICS and plug-ins is on a per-seat basis through node-locked or floating licenses. Pricing for MIPS Navigator ICS starts at $1,945 (U.S.) for a single node-locked license with one year of support and maintenance.
About MIPS Technologies, Inc.
MIPS Technologies, Inc. (NasdaqGS: MIPS) is the world's second largest semiconductor design IP company and the number one analog IP company worldwide. With more than 250 customers around the globe, MIPS Technologies is the only company that provides a combined portfolio of processors, analog IP and software tools for the embedded market. The company powers some of the world's most popular products for the digital entertainment, home networking, wireless, and portable media markets-including broadband devices from Linksys, DTVs and digital consumer devices from Sony, DVD recordable devices from Pioneer, digital set-top boxes from Motorola, network routers from Cisco, 32-bit microcontrollers from Microchip Technology and laser printers from Hewlett-Packard. Founded in 1998, MIPS Technologies is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with offices worldwide. For more information, contact (650) 567-5000 or visit http://www.mips.com.
MIPS, MIPS-Based, MIPS Navigator, MIPSsim, OCI and System Navigator are trademarks or registered trademarks in the United States and other countries of MIPS Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks referred to herein are the property of their respective owners.
Web site: http://www.mips.com//
