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Much like the way standardized physical components are rapidly
mixed and matched today on a printed circuit board, IP in
standardized forms needs to be rapidly mixed and matched into
system chips. To facilitate mix and match, VSIA specifies
"open" interface standards, which will allow IP
cores or blocks to fit quickly into "Virtual Sockets"
at both the functional level (e.g., interface protocols) and
the physical level (e.g., clock, test, and power structures).
This will allow VC providers to productize and maintain a
uniform set of IP deliverables, rather than requiring them
to support numerous sets of deliverables needed for the many
unique customer design flows.
Wherever possible, VSIA specifies existing de facto, or open,
or proprietary (reasonable fee and non-discriminatory terms)
data formats. Additionally, VSIA endorses emerging standards
from other groups that meet VSIA technical requirements. Only
when nothing else exists or is emerging, does VSIA develop
new standards for the industry. It works with a variety of
other organizations to minimize overlap and support complementary
efforts. VSIA focuses primarily on the technical aspects of
the SoC challenges.
Equally important is what the VSIA does not do. The organization's
charter specifically prohibits VSIA from attempting to make
product development, price or business strategy decisions
for individual members. It also does not require companies
using a VSIA specification to contribute any of their IP,
nor does it ask or require that a member contribute to a common
pool of IP. Such demands would run contrary to the honest
and open cooperation needed to achieve VSIA's mission.
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