Simulation models freely available as pre-built binaries

Additionally, Linux runtime support is available from Rocketboards.org targeting the Arria 10 binary virtual platform. The combination of the Vista virtual platform and Linux makes for a powerful software-based development and test platform for embedded software engineers.

The Vista virtual platforms enable embedded engineers to begin development and debug for pre-production devices like the Stratix 10 FPGA well before first silicon availability. The Virtual Platform binaries can be installed and run together with a pre-built Linux image on a host PC. In addition, a model of custom functions in the FPGA fabric can be linked to the virtual platform for system-level simulation. The virtual platforms support both bare-metal/Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) and Linux operating system environments for software execution and debug on multi-core configurations of Altera SoCs. Vista virtual platforms offer advanced technologies including patent-pending, deep, non-intrusive access for software and hardware debug and profiling to substantially improve debug and analysis practices.

“We selected Mentor Graphics as the ideal partner because Mentor’s advanced virtual platform solution results in higher productivity and greater quality code for our SoC FPGA customers,” stated Chris Ballough, Altera senior director of marketing.  “Our technology partnership with Mentor lessens our customer’s risks by accelerating embedded system development by identifying design issues that would be difficult or too late to find in the physical hardware.”

In deep collaboration with Altera, Mentor Graphics will provide virtual platforms to support the Stratix 10 product family in the near future.

“We value our relationship with Altera, the leader in SoC FPGAs, and our collaboration has resulted in a comprehensive portfolio of SoC virtual platforms that simplifies hardware and software design for Altera customers,” stated Guy Moshe, general manager of the Design Creation Business Unit within Mentor Graphics Embedded Systems Division. “Our virtual platform solution allows developers of Altera SoC FPGAs to realize increased performance, accuracy and cost savings, while dramatically accelerating their software development.”

The Vista virtual platforms are seamlessly integrated with the Sourcery CodeBench Virtual Edition and Analyzer tool to provide additional capabilities. Benefits include the visibility and control to debug and analyze complex software/hardware interactions and the ability to optimize the software to meet final product performance and power goals.

Using the Vista Architect tool, hardware and system engineers can gain access to the Altera hardware platform source and freely customize and manipulate the SoC and FPGA models. This capability is important to test, analyse, and explore various hardware configurations, peripherals alternatives, memory hierarchies, and resource utilisation.

The Vista virtual platforms for Altera SoC FPGAs are now available as a free binary download from the Mentor Graphics web site.