Vendor: CAST Category: CPU

32-bit Deeply Embedded Processor

The royalty free BA22-DE is a compact yet 32-bit processor for deeply embedded applications.

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Overview

The royalty free BA22-DE is a compact yet powerful 32-bit processor for deeply embedded applications. It is a Harvard-style processor able to run at relatively high clock frequencies (more than 800MHz in 28nm), with a surprisingly small silicon footprint (base version is just 15K gates). Highly configurable to allow a variety of size/performance trade-offs, the BA22-DE can be used as a microcontroller in numerous applications, including mixed signal processing, portable and wireless devices, and automotive systems.

The BA22-DE uses separate instruction and data buses, and it has a pipeline depth of 4 or 5 stages depending on its configuration. The processor connects to the system via AMBA® AHB™, AXI4™, or Wishbone interfaces. It is also equipped with dedicated Quick Memory (QMEM) interfaces to tightly-coupled memories—which offer fast and deterministic access to code and data—and can be used for inter-core communication in a multi-core architecture.

Its base version includes 16 to 32 general-purpose registers (GPRs), a tick timer (TTimer), a programmable interrupt controller (PIC), an advanced power management unit (PMU), and optionally a debug unit (DBGU). The core’s processing capabilities can be enhanced further with the optional hardware multiplier (MUL), divider (DIV), Multiply Accumulate (MAC), IEEE 754 compliant floating point, and DSP instructions acceleration units. Its interrupt response time can also be optimized with the addition of a Vectored Interrupt controller (VIC).

The BA22-DE supports the variable instruction length BA2 instruction set, benefits from its extreme code density, and is binary compatible with other members of the BA2x processor family. Programming is facilitated with the included C/C++ tool chain, BeyondStudio™ Eclipse-based IDE, architectural simulator, and ported C libraries. Advanced debugging capabilities and off-the-shelf development boards can further ease software development.

Additional microcontroller peripherals may be ordered for pre-integration and delivery with the core, individually or in a complete platform. IP Integration Services are also available to help integrate any BA22 processor configuration with memory controllers, image compression, or other CAST IP cores.

Part of the royalty-free BA2x family, the BA22-DE processor core has been designed for easy reuse and integration, has been rigorously verified, and is production proven.

Key features

  • High Performance 32-bit CPU
    • 2.93 CoreMarks/MHz 
    • Single-cycle execution on most instructions
    • Fast interrupt response
    • Optional hardware multiply, divide, multiply-accumulate, DSP instructions acceleration, and floating-point units
  • Low Power Consumption;
    • Industry-leading code density minimizes instruction memory area & power 
    • Small silicon footprint (from 11,000 sq. um in 28 nm technology, or 15K eq. gates) consumes less leakage energy
  • Flexible Memory Access 
    • Tightly-coupled Quick Memory for fast and deterministic code and/or data access
    • Instruction and/or data memories can also be connected to the AHB, AXI4 or Wishbone bus 
    • Optional Memory Protection Unit
  • Efficient 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
  • Advanced Debug Capability 
    • Non-intrusive debug/trace for both CPU and system
    • Complex chained watchpoint and breakpoint conditions
    • Standard JTAG and proprietary Two-Wire Debug interfaces
  • Integrated Peripherals 
    • Base configuration includes a 32 bit-wide tick timer and a programmable interrupt controller
    • Optionally pre-integrated with AMBA bus infrastructure, DMAs, GPIOs, UARTS, Timers, SPI, I2C, memory controller and other IP cores from CAST
  • Easy Software Development
    • Beyond Studio IDE for Windows, Linux
    • ANSI C/C++ compiler, debugger, linker, assembler, & utilities
    • Architectural simulator
    • Ported libraries & RTOS
  • Ready for Evaluation
    • Talos-BA2x Evaluation Kit includes a debug key, FPGA board with reference design, drivers and software

Block Diagram

BA22-DE block diagram

Specifications

Identity

Part Number
BA22-DE
Vendor
CAST
Type
Silicon IP

Files

Product Sheet Download

Note: some files may require an NDA depending on provider policy.

Provider

CAST
HQ: USA
Contact CAST

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Frequently asked questions about CPU IP cores

What is 32-bit Deeply Embedded Processor?

32-bit Deeply Embedded Processor is a CPU IP core from CAST listed on Semi IP Hub.

How should engineers evaluate this CPU?

Engineers should review the overview, key features, supported foundries and nodes, maturity, deliverables, and provider information before shortlisting this CPU IP.

Can this semiconductor IP be compared with similar products?

Yes. Buyers can compare this product with similar semiconductor IP cores or IP families based on category, provider, process options, and structured technical specifications.

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