Table 1. Nios Embedded Processor Features |
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Nios Processor Design Flow |
| System-Level Design Flow | Altera's SOPC Builder tool provides the capability to rapidly define and generate complex SOPC architectures including CPUs, memory, intellectual property (IP) cores, bus interfaces, and operating system (OS) kernels. |
| Embedded Software Design Tools | Altera provides a complete set of embedded software development tools for the Nios embedded processor, including the GNUPro Toolkit. Developers can use these tools right out of the box to develop code immediately. |
| Nios Developer Tools | Nios system designers have access to all the hardware and software tools they need to create high-performance SOPC applications. |
| Development Kits & Boards | Altera and its partners offer a wide range of development kits and boards available to use with the Nios embedded processor. |
| Processor Architecture & Features |
| CPU Architecture | The Nios CPU is a pipelined, single-issue RISC processor targeted for embedded applications. |
| On-Chip Debugging Solutions | The Nios development kits include an on-chip instrumentation core, which provides extensions for real-time debugging. |
| Custom Instructions | Developers can add custom hardware to the CPU core to perform complex computing tasks; this extends the instruction set using the SOPC Builder wizard interface. |
| Peripheral Library | Altera's SOPC Builder tool includes a library of standard peripherals that are available for use royalty-free in Altera programmable logic. |
| Avalonâ„¢ Switch Fabric | The Avalon switch fabric allows multiple, simultaneous bus masters to share a peripheral pool. Developers can use the SOPC Builder to automatically generate the arbitration and interconnect logic. |
| Design Resources |
| Peripheral Library | Altera's SOPC Builder tool includes a library of standard peripherals that are available for use at no cost in Altera programmable logic. |
| System Components | There are several basic building blocks of a Nios processor-based system; they can include hardware and software components. |
| Embedded Processor Solutions Center | The embedded processor system solutions center provides all the information that designers need to implement their system applications using Altera's embedded processor solutions. This information includes device-support, intellectual property (IP) cores, training, software, technical support, and literature. |
| Nios Subscription Renewal | The Nios development kits include one year of upgrades for the CPU, peripherals, and embedded software tools (does not include the Quartus II software). Customers can purchase additional annual subscriptions that include Nios upgrades through the Nios Subscription Renewal program. Only subscribing customers receive upgrades. |
| Nios Embedded Processor Version History | This is an archive of the features of previous versions of the first-generation Nios embedded processor core. |
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