FPGA-Based Embedded Processor Supports Europe's Leading RTOS Standard

SAN JOSE, Calif., April 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Altera Corporation's (NASDAQ: ALTR) Nios(R) II embedded processor is now supported by Vector Informatik's osCAN, an OSEK/VDX-compliant real-time operating system (RTOS) for the automotive market, the two companies announced today. With osCAN support, automotive designers can, for the first time, leverage the flexibility of an FPGA-based embedded processor with the knowledge that they will meet the specifications set by Europe's top automotive manufacturers.

"Automotive applications designers using Altera's Nios II processor and FPGAs can enjoy the benefits of system integration along with quick, low-cost development of custom features on a standard platform," said Thomas Geyer of Vector Informatik. "osCAN support will also make it much easier and faster for automotive developers to create a system prototype to support bids for contracts from automotive manufacturers."

The OSEK/VDX specifications are set by a steering committee led by BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Renault, Volkswagen and other key players in the automotive market, including Vector Informatik. Currently all OSEK/VDX-compliant RTOSs target ASIC devices, limiting the features that designers can build on within their development projects. Created by Vector Informatik, osCAN is a preemptive, real-time, multitasking operating system compliant with the version 2.2 OSEK/VDX operating system standard.

"One of the critical requirements for using embedded processors in the automotive market is the availability of an effective and well-supported OSEK/VDX-compliant operating system like osCAN," said Tim Colleran, vice president of Altera's consumer and automotive business unit. "The availability of osCAN for the Nios II processor paves the way for a much broader use of Altera's programmable solutions in the automotive market."

About Vector Informatik GmbH

Vector Informatik, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, is the leading producer of software tools and components for networking in electronic systems based on CAN, LIN, MOST and FlexRay, as well as a number of CAN-based protocols. Worldwide customers in the automotive, heavy-duty vehicle transport and control engineering fields rely on solutions and products from the autonomous and independently owned Vector Group. For more information visit: http://www.vector-informatik.com.

About Altera

Altera(R) programmable solutions enable system and semiconductor companies to rapidly and cost-effectively innovate, differentiate and win in their markets. Find out more at http://www.altera.com.

Altera, The Programmable Solutions Company, the stylized Altera logo, specific device designations and all other words that are identified as trademarks and/or service marks are, unless noted otherwise, the trademarks and service marks of Altera Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. All other product or service names are the property of their respective holder.

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     Ivanya Terrazas          Holger Heit
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