You don't need to be locked into a set of features that were predetermined years of decades earlier by a processor designer. You can configure your Xtensa processor to exactly match your application.
Not sure exactly what options you need? You can use our Xtensa Xplorer IDE to evaluate trade-offs. This section explains some of the tools we have that can help you make intelligent decisions about options such as memory types and sizes, interface options and other execution unit and ISA options.
Configurability of a Tensilica processor core never compromises the underlying base Xtensa instruction set, thereby ensuring availability of a robust ecosystem of third party application software and development tools. All configurable, extensible Xtensa processors are always compatible with major operating systems, debug probes and ICE solutions; and always come with an automatically generated, complete software development toolchain including an advanced integrated development environment based on the ECLIPSE framework, a world-class compiler, a cycle-accurate SystemC-compatible instruction set simulator, and the full industry-standard GNU toolchain.
See our CTO, Chris Rowen, in action, configuring a processor right before your very eyes.
It's as easy as checking a box to pick the options for your application. The Xtensa Processor Generator allows quick configuration of many Xtensa core options using simple clock-box screens, including:

Sample Configuration Screen

Sample Memory Configuration Screen
See how Tensilica makes sure your configuration options are properly integrated into your Xtensa processor.
There are several extra configuration options available only on Xtensa LX4.These include:
Flexible Length Instruction eXtensions allows designer-defined instructions to consist of multiple, independent operations bundled into a 32-, 64- or 128-bit instruction word. Read more.
Additionally, Xtensa LX4 allows the use of TIE Ports and Queues for greatly expanded bandwidth. Read more.