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TITLE: OpenSPARC 64-bit Processor Source Code Available for Free
Sun Microsystems has released its T1 UltraSPARC source code under
a GNU General Public License (GPL). This new open source version
of the UltraSPARC T1 design is called "OpenSPARC T1" and is a 64
bit, 32 threaded processor design available at no charge.
This effort is intended to: (1) increase significantly
the participation in processor architecture development
and application design by making cutting-edge hardware
intellectual property freely available, (2) eliminate barriers to
the next big build-out of the Internet, (3) improve
collaboration and cooperation among hardware designers,
(4) enable community members to build on proven technology at a
markedly lower cost, (5) encourage innovation, and (6)
foster bringing bold new products to market.
The release includes the full source code for the SPARC
Architectural Model (SAM) and Legion simulators. SAM is a full
system simulator useful for software bringup work on modified
implementations. Legion is a fast instruction-accurate simulator
which provides a rapid means of developing and testing software
functionality in absence of real hardware.
SPARC stands for Scalable Processor ARchitecture. The technology
is based on pioneering research around RISC at the University of
California, Berkeley. It has been the basis of Sun's premiere
line of servers since its introduction as the first " pizza box "
in 1989. That same year, Sun transferred the ownership of the
SPARC specifications to SPARC International, who continues to
license the technology and manage compliance testing for the
trademark today. Opening the UltraSPARC T1 source code lets
developers create innovative software applications faster, and
with a higher degree of hardware integration than ever before.
Software developers will now be able to create highly optimized
applications that are tightly integrated with the hardware,
creating unique, high-value solutions for specific markets. It
also helps create an environment that will speed the development
of new, thread-rich applications. Customers will enjoy more
choices and shorter development cycles.
For additional information, access: OpenSPARC
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FILENUMBER: 1284
BEGIN_KEYWORDS
OpenSPARC
END_KEYWORDS
DATE: August 2006
TITLE: OpenSPARC
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