Low Power 32-bit Processor

Overview

Beyond BA21 implements a 32-bit low-power 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 BA2xTM 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
    • 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
    • Up to 2.5 Coremarks/MHz in highest performance configuration
    • 125+ MHz on TSMC 65 nm LP
  • Optional Processor Units
    • Programmable Vectored Interrupt Controller Unit
    • Memory Protection Unit
    • Timer unit
    • Debug unit
      • Software PC breakpoints
      • Hardware PC breakpoints, hardware data watchpoints
      • Single stepping
      • Debug control by software or external debugger
      • Trace port support
    • ROM patching unit
    • Floating Point Unit
    • Hardware Multiplier/Divider
  • Pre-Integrated Subsystems
    • Microcontroller peripherals such as GPIO, UART, Real-Time Clock, Timers, I2C, and SPI
    • Memory controllers, interconnect IP, and more

Block Diagram

Low Power 32-bit Processor  Block Diagram

Applications

  • Mixed signal embedded processing
  • Wireless communications ICs (e.g. Bluetooth, Zigbee, GPS)
  • Industrial Microcontrollers
  • Wireless, battery-powered, or ultra-low-cost devices
  • Housekeeping / helper processor

Deliverables

  • The core is available for ASICs in synthesizable Verilog source code, and includes everything required for successful implementation. The core is delivered with software development tools Windows and Linux, with an Eclipse IDE interface.

Technical Specifications

Maturity
Silicon Proven, in volume production
Availability
Now
UMC
Pre-Silicon: 180nm
×
Semiconductor IP