SIERRA – Next generation of OS kernels for demanding applications!

Sierra is an OS Kernel constructed of many parallel executing hardware devices

Sierra hardware makes a complete basic kernel for demanding embedded applications and can be used stand-alone or as a hardware accelerator for standard OS. Highly portable as an IP core with a simple bus interface.

Key features

Low-Latency Deterministic RTOS Acceleration

Hardware-accelerated RTOS services with deterministic response times typically between 1–4 bus cycles for demanding FPGA-based embedded systems.

Integrated Logging and Debug Support

Built-in logging functionality simplifies debugging, verification, and real-time system analysis during FPGA and embedded development.

Regression Test Framework Included

Delivered with a dedicated regression and verification framework for automated testing of RTOS functionality and HW/SW integration.

Proven in Real FPGA Projects

AGSTU Sierra™ has been used for many years in more than 100 FPGA student and research projects and has also been evaluated and sold to industrial companies.

Portable FPGA IP Core

Delivered as a portable encrypted FPGA IP core with lightweight software drivers and a flexible integration interface.

Sierra™ IP is Ready-to-Use for Altera® Nios® II and Nios® V

Optimized for seamless integration with Altera FPGA embedded systems based on Nios® II and Nios® V processors.

Hardware-Accelerated Tick and Interrupt Handling

Sierra™ eliminates the need for a periodic RTOS kernel tick by handling timing and scheduling functions directly in hardware. This reduces CPU overhead, interrupt load, and context switching while improving timing precision, responsiveness, and deterministic ultra-low latency real-time behavior.

Flexible and new possibilities

Simple to add on new advanced functions to Sierra framework.

Download

Want to know more about us or our product? You need not be more curious! Here you can download a demo and try it for yourself. Have you already tried, you can purchase a license here.

What our customers say

Simple to use

The Sierra is easy to use and configure for users on all levels. It simplifies working with task based systems while still being powerful enough to get the job done.

Maya Isaksson

Suitable for small embedded systems

Fredrik Skarhed