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Symtavision and Renesas collaborate on joint timing analysis methodology for multicore MCUs

Braunschweig, Germany– Oct 28, 2014 --  Closely collaborating with Renesas Electronics, Symtavision, the global leader in timing analysis solutions for planning, optimizing and verifying embedded real-time systems, has developed an integrated, model- and trace-based methodology for the Renesas RH850 family of multicore MCUs as well as other Renesas target MCU architectures.

Central to the Symtavision/Renesas integrated methodology for multicore ECUs are Symtavision’s SymTA/S tool suite for model-based timing analysis, optimization and synthesis, combined with Symtavision’s powerful TraceAnalyzer solution for visualizing and analyzing timing from measurements and simulations. Both SymTA/S and TraceAnalyzer are used extensively in the automotive industry for developing efficient, safe and reliable ECUs, networks and distributed systems.

The methodology involves target tracing to gather fundamental timing data in a realistic environment on the target platform (or one that is predictably related). A range of established tracing tools such as those from Green Hills Software, Gliwa, iSYSTEM or Lauterbach can be used for this purpose. Symtavision’s TraceAnalyzer then processes this data to visualize and validate the internal scheduling of the device and derive key metrics such as memory access times, runnable execution times and patterns of sporadic interrupts. This allows the simple creation of dedicated RH850 virtual performance models in SymTA/S. These models facilitate an early assessment of design alternatives to ensure that all software can execute in real-time and also provide a basis for the continuous validation of model assumptions versus actual implementation. Furthermore, the dedicated RH850 models ensure that key multicore-related design challenges such as optimal software and task partitioning, as well as data allocation and arbitration, are systematically addressed. The models can be extended seamlessly to analysis of distributed functions over CAN, Ethernet, FlexRay or LIN.

Commenting on the collaboration with Symtavision, ‎Stephan Reitemeyer, Head of Unit Automotive Control Systems at Renesas Electronics (Europe) GmbH said: “We are extremely pleased to be collaborating closely with Symtavision on the development of the RH850 workflow as the company continues to lead the way for timing design in the transition to the multicore era. Establishing a systematic model-based planning and trace-based validation methodology for specific target architectures is crucial to counteract the new timing- and integration-related pitfalls involved in the development of efficient, safe and reliable multicore automotive electronic systems.”

About Symtavision 
Symtavision® provides market-leading tools and associated consulting/engineering services for system-level timing design and timing verification – from early-phase estimation to final verification. Symtavision’s tools are used extensively in automotive electronics with support provided for all industry standards as well as a variety of other industry sectors including the automation, multimedia, telecommunications and transportation markets. Symtavision is headquartered in Braunschweig (Germany) with subsidiary offices in Munich (Germany), Cologne (Germany) and Troy (Michigan, USA), and is supported by a global network of distributors. Symtavision is an AUTOSAR development member and also a founding member of the Real-Time Experts Alliance. For more information visit: http://www.symtavision.com.

About Renesas
Renesas Electronics is the world's number one supplier of microcontrollers and a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, including system-on-chip and a wide range of discrete analogue and power devices. Established in 2010, Renesas Electronics combines the collective semiconductor expertise of Hitachi, Mitsubishi Electric and NEC Electronics, encapsulating more than 200 years’ experience.

Renesas’ products are the result of decades of research and investment into semiconductor technology and customer solutions. Today, they provide pioneering platforms for the advancement of the Smart Society, embedding intelligence, connectivity, safety and security in solutions for cars, homes, buildings and factories. In Europe, Renesas complements its cutting-edge technology with resources that foster customer proximity and span the entire product lifecycle. These include the European Technology Centre, which designs innovative solutions specifically for Europe, and the European Quality Centre in Düsseldorf, which provides technical support to customers throughout the region. Renesas also operates an effective ecosystem, comprising the industry's largest local support network and an extensive network of over 800 hardware and software alliance partners.

Headquartered in Japan, Renesas Electronics has subsidiaries in 20 countries worldwide.

More information is available at www.renesas.com



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