For more information, please contact:
Dr. Bhaskar Bose, President
Derivation Systems, Inc.
(760) 431-1400 x201
bose@derivation.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

San Jose, CA, September 26, 2000 - At the Embedded Systems Conference (ESC), Derivation Systems, Inc., a leading developer of formal verification systems, demonstrated the companies LavaCORE(tm) Configurable Java(tm) Processor FPGA core based on its proprietary FormalSYNTHESIS(tm) technology. The processor core is targeted to the Xilinx Virtex-E FPGA architecture and executes native Java(tm) byte code directly in hardware.

LavaCORE is a clean-room implementation of the Java Virtual Machine and is provided as a fixed core or synthesizable "soft-core" with a suite of tools for parameterized core generation, hardware/software co-design, co-verification, and custom Java application development.

LavaCORE is a revolutionary product that provides unparalleled flexibility for a wide range of prototyping and embedded applications. Direct Java bytecode execution keeps the runtime to a minimum making the processor ideal for embedded applications that require small memory foot-prints and flexible reconfigurable architectures. Both the application and the operating system code can be developed in Java and compiled to native code by standard Java compilers.

LavaCORE is designed to bring embedded Java technology to the reconfigurable marketplace. The customizable core and dynamic reconfiguration take full advantage of the features of programmable hardware. Applications include Java-enabled appliances, secure Internet devices and embedded network computers that can be dynamically configured for application specific computing.

According to Dr. Bhaskar Bose, founder and CEO of Derivation Systems, Inc., "We are offering direct execution of Java bytecode on a reconfigurable platform. With the penetration of FPGAs into the ASIC market, we see LavaCORE as an important technology to continue this trend."

Software support includes a basic runtime environment, debugger/linker, and a parameterized core generator. The LavaCORE Parameterized Core Generator offers user selectable parameters for a wide range of configurable options. The input specification is a high-level formal behavior model of the processor. DSI's proprietary FormalSYNTHESIS(tm) technology is used to automatically synthesize an implementation. Every implementation of LavaCORE can be application specific leading to optimal solutions in terms of power, speed, and area.

"Typically, specialized embedded applications use only a subset of the full JVM instruction set. By analyzing the application, we can determine which Java bytecode instructions can be omitted or moved from hardware to software, improving various cost criteria." said Derivation Systems' Vice President - Research and Development, M. Esen Tuna.

The company plans to make available LavaCORE evaluation/development kits in the fourth quarter 2000 which includes its upcoming Virtex-E based PC/104 FPGA module and support software.

Founded in 1993, Derivation Systems is a leading developer of high-assurance hardware systems. The company offers a comprehensive product line based on its proprietary FormalSYNTHESIS(tm) technology including formal design verification tools for the Electronic Design Automation Industry, formally verified IP cores, PC/104 FPGA modules, and PC/104 processor modules. DSI's target markets include avionics and space applications, network embedded systems, and industrial controller boards.

Derivation Systems' headquarters are located at 5963 La Place Court, Suite 208, Carlsbad, CA 92008, U.S.A. Tel.: 760-431-1400, Fax.: 760-431-1484, URL: http://www.derivation.com .

Java is a registered trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.
FormalSYNTHESIS and LavaCORE, are trademarks of Derivation Systems,Inc.