THE MAGAZINE FOR COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
Circuit Cellar Online offers articles illustrating creative solutions
and unique applications through complete projects, practical
tutorials, and useful design techniques.

EXCALIBUR MARKS THE SPOT

by Tom Cantrell

Start ý Soft Machines ý Roots ý GNU Wave ý Price is Right ý Sources and PDF

PRICE IS RIGHT

From a technical and product perspective, Nios validates the soft-core concept. The GNU tool chain support is unprecedented for a soft core and demolishes a major stumbling block for acceptance. Furthermore, Altera has the FPGA credentials to realistically make a go of it.

But, the most intriguing thing about Nios isnýt what it is, but how much it costsýzero, nada, zilch. You get the picture.

Remember that the cost of any chip is comprised of two partsýwhat it costs to make, sell, and support the silicon, and the value of the design (i.e., IP). As a silicon supplier, Altera has the ability to hide the IP cost in the chip price. Independent IP providers have no such luxury, short of messy and unpopular royalty schemes. Also, the free IP news may perk the interest of lawyers, similar to how MP3 got the recording industry riled up. I look forward to reading the fine print in the Nios license.

Coming from a major player with a great tool strategy and novel pricing, Nios definitely ups the ante for the soft-core concept. Altera wasnýt the first to come up with the idea, but it is the first big hitter to take a swing. Time will tell if it connects for extra bases and show whoýll be next to step up to the plate.

PREVIOUS • NEXT

Circuit Cellar provides up-to-date information for engineers. Visit www.circuitcellar.com for more information and additional articles.
For subscription information, call (860) 875-2199, subscribe@circuitcellar.com or subscribe online. ýCircuit Cellar, the Magazine for Computer Applications. Posted with permission.