Tensilica Announces New Open Source Linux Emphasis, Broadens Processor Core Ecosystem With New Linux Partners TimeSys and Embedded Alley

Growing Momentum Behind the Industry’s Smallest, Lowest Power 32-bit Licensable Processor Core Capable of Running Linux

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tensilica,® Inc. today announced that Embedded Linux 2.6 and GNU tools based on GCC 4.2, both available at www.linux-xtensa.org, is now backed by two well-respected Linux industry partners. Embedded Alley Solutions, Inc. of San Jose, CA, provides Platform Optimized Linux Solutions, Linux consulting services and training. Timesys, of Pittsburgh, PA, is providing subscriptions to LinuxLink for Tensilica customers to access embedded software, tools, documentation, and support and Timestorm: an Eclipse-based IDE that provides a point-and-click interface for kernel and root filesystem configuration, profiling, testing and debugging.

Open-source Linux is the target operating system for Tensilica’s Diamond Standard 232L processor, the industry’s smallest, lowest power licensable 32-bit core that supports the Linux operating system. For even higher performance and lower power consumption, Tensilica’s Xtensa® configurable processor cores are easy to optimize for a specific Linux application.

“We’ve seen strong demand for open-source Linux support from customers developing Tensilica-based products ranging from wired communications to mobile multimedia, in markets spanning Asia, Japan, North America and Europe,” stated Steve Roddy, Tensilica’s vice president of marketing and business development. “This increasing demand for Linux on Tensilica processors has led us to form partnerships with leading Linux experts such as Timesys and EA Solutions. These two important partners accelerate the process of getting new embedded Linux devices to market quickly for our customers.”

“Adoption of Tensilica processor cores is growing steadily within major electronics companies with several requesting open source Linux support,” stated Greg Quiggle, vice president of sales and marketing for Timesys. “LinuxLink is designed to help embedded development teams quickly assemble a custom Linux platform for Tensilica processors by providing a powerful suite of tested Linux components, tools, documentation and support.”

“As more deeply embedded devices are embracing the Linux operating system, the device makers are embracing Tensilica’s low-power, high-performance processor cores,” stated Pete Popov, EA Solutions’ president and CEO. “By working together, we can help Tensilica’s customers get new products to market much faster.”

About Timesys

Timesys is the provider of LinuxLink, a web-based software subscription for both first-time and experienced embedded Linux developers. LinuxLink provides the embedded software, tools, documentation and support needed to quickly build and test a custom Linux platform for a given processor. LinuxLink enables embedded development teams to unleash the innovation of Linux without sacrificing the quality, service and support of a traditional commercial embedded operating system. For more information, visit http://www.timesys.com.

About Embedded Alley Solutions

Founded in 2004, EA Solutions has grown to include development centers around the world, providing various embedded technology development solutions for consumer, wireless, medical, transportation and communication devices. From its headquarters in San Jose, California, the privately held company serves clients ranging from start ups to Fortune 500 companies. For more information, see www.embeddedalley.com.

About Tensilica

Tensilica, Inc., is the recognized leader in configurable processor technology and has leveraged that technology to become the leading supplier of licensable controllers and DSP cores for mobile audio and video applications. Tensilica offers the broadest line of controller, CPU, network, and specialty DSP processors on the market today – including full software toolchain and modeling support - in both an off-the-shelf format via the Diamond Standard Series cores and with full designer configurability with the Xtensa processor family. The modern design behind all of Tensilica’s processor cores provide semiconductor companies and system OEMs with the lowest power, smallest area solutions for high-volume products including mobile phones and other consumer electronics, networking and telecommunications equipment, and computer peripherals. For more information on Tensilica’s patented, benchmark-proven processors, visit www.tensilica.com.

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