Vendor: CAST Category: CPU

32-bit Low-Power Deeply Embedded Processor

The BA21 is a royalty free 32-bit low-power processor that delivers better performance than most processors of its size. Designed…

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Overview

The BA21 is a royalty free 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 analog modules management, calibration, and configuration in energy- and cost-sensitive applications.  

The two-stage pipelined architecture minimizes standby/idle power and run-time energy consumption. The small silicon footprint of the CPU, and the smaller code memory requirement (due to the extreme code density of the BA2 instruction set), are critical for minimizing leakage currents during idle or standby modes and reducing dynamic power consumption. Furthermore, the processor allows for sophisticated power management, enabling dynamic clock gating or power shut off of unused modules, and software or hardware controller dynamic frequency scaling of the bus and the CPU.  

Delivering more processing power per MHz than most processors in its class, the BA21 can be configured to operate at low frequencies to further save power, or to meet the most demanding embedded processing requirements, or any optimum combination of both. Its processing capabilities can be enhanced with the optional hardware multiplier, divider, multiply-accumulate, IEEE 754 compliant floating-point, and DSP instructions acceleration units. Interrupt response time can be optimized further with a vectored interrupt controller, and an optional memory protection unit can be used to protect application code and/or data from corruption. The system interface uses two AMBA® AXI4™ or optionally two AHB-Lite™ buses, one for data and one for instructions. Two tightly-coupled quick memory (QMEM) buses allow fast access for time-critical code and data and can be used for inter-core communication in a multi-core architecture.  

The BA21 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. Programing is facilitated with the included C/C++ tool chain, Beyond Studio IDE, architectural simulator, and ported C libraries.. Additional peripherals and bus infrastructure cores or complete subsystems can be ordered with the processor core to simplify SoC integration. 

Part of the royalty-free BA2x family, the BA21 processor core has been designed for easy reuse and integration, has been rigorously verified, and is production proven. 

Key features

  • Low-Power 32-bit Processor
    • Small silicon footprint for lower leakage and dynamic CPU power 
      • From 7300 sq. µm in 28nm, or approximately 10K gates
    • BA2 ISA allows extreme code density for fewer instruction fetches and lower energy usage
    • 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
    • 2.77 Coremarks/MHz
    • Up to 400 MHz in 28 nm 
       
  • Optional Processor Units  
    • Programmable Vectored Interrupt Controller Unit 
    • Memory Protection Unit 
    • Timer Unit 
    • Debug Unit  
    • ROM Patching Unit 
    • Hardware Multiplier and/or Divider 
    • Multiply-Accumulate Unit  
    • Floating Point Unit 
    • DSP Instructions Acceleration Unit 
  • 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 interface 
  • Available Pre-Integrated Platforms 
    • Microcontroller peripherals such as GPIO, UART, Real-Time Clock, Timers, I2C, and SPI 
    • Memory controllers, interconnect IP, and more 
  • Easy Software Development  
    • Beyond Studio  IDE for Windows & Linux 
    • C /C++ compiler, debugger, linker, assembler, and utilities 
    • Architectural simulator 
    • Ported libraries and RTOS 
  • Ready for Evaluation
    • Talos-BA2x Evaluation Kit includes a debug key, FPGA board with reference design, drivers and software

Block Diagram

BA21 block diagram

Specifications

Identity

Part Number
BA21
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 Low-Power Deeply Embedded Processor?

32-bit Low-Power 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?

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