32-bit Low-Power Embedded Processor

Overview

Implements a 32-bit low-power RISC processor that delivers better performance than most processors of its size. Designed for deeply-embedded systems or as an auxiliary processor in larger systems, it is an especially effective choice for wireless communication, analog peripherals management, or other mixed-signal functions in energy-and cost-sensitive applications.

This royalty-free 32-bit processor core is binary-compatible with other members of the silicon-proven BA2x processor family. Its BA2 instruction set is relatively simple and extremely compact, offering system area and energy savings benefits. Programing is facilitated with the included C/C++ tool chain, Eclipse IDE, architectural simulator, and ported C libraries, RTOSs, and OSs.

Key Features

  • Low Power 32-bit Processor
  • Small silicon footprint (less than 10k gates) for lower leakage and dynamic CPU power
  • Two-stage pipeline architecture
  • BA2TM Extreme Code Density for lower instruction fetching energy
  • Advanced power management
  • Dynamic clock gating and power shut-off of unused units
  • Software- and hardware-controlled clock frequency
  • Wake-up on tick timer or external interrupt
  • Processing Efficiency
  • 2.5 Coremarks/MHz
  • 125+ MHz on TSMC 65nm LP
  • Optional Processor Units
  • Programmable Vectored Interrupt Controller Unit
  • Memory Protection Unit
  • Timer Unit
  • Debug Unit
  • MDB support
  • Trace port support
  • ROM patching Unit
  • Floating Point Unit
  • Hardware Multiplier/Divider
  • Available Pre-Integrated Platforms
  • Microcontroller peripherals such as GPIO, UART, Real-Time Clock, Timers, I2C, and SPI
  • Memory controllers, interconnect IP, and more
  • Reference Design Board for eval. or rapid development start
  • Easy Software Development
  • Non-intrusive JTAG debug/trace for both CPU and system
  • Complex chained watchpoint and breakpoint conditions
  • BeyondStudio™ complete IDE for Windows or Linux under Eclipse
  • Ported libraries and operating systems

Block Diagram

32-bit Low-Power Embedded Processor Block Diagram

Applications

  • The royalty-free, energy-efficient BA21 processor can be employed as a replacement for existing 8-bit and 16-bit processor market, or used as secondary, housekeeping or peripheral controller processor in complex SoC designs, and it suitable for a wide-range of deeply embedded applications such as:
  • Mixed signal embedded processing
  • Wireless communications ICs (e.g. Bluetooth, Zigbee, GPS)
  • Industrial Microcontrollers
  • Wireless, battery-powered, or ultra-low-cost devices.

Deliverables

  • The core is available for ASICs in synthesizable Verilog source code or for FPGAs in optimized netlists.
  • It includes everything required for successful implementation: extensive documentation, a testbench, a sample SoC design, sample synthesis and simulation scripts, and the BeyondStudio™ Eclipse-based software development IDE for Windows and Linux.
  • Reference designs on FPGA boards are also available; contact CAST Sales for information.

Technical Specifications

Maturity
Production Proven
Availability
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Semiconductor IP