32-bit Deeply Embedded Processor

Overview

The 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, Eclipse 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, Vectored interrupt controller, DMAs, GPIOs, UARTS, Timers, SPI, I2C, memory controller and other IP cores from CAST
Easy Software Development
Eclipse IDE for Windows, Linux
ANSI C/C++ compiler, debugger, linker, assembler, & utilities
Architectural simulator
Ported libraries & RTOS

Block Diagram

Applications

Mixed signal embedded processing
Portable and wireless
Internet, networking and telecom
Automotive
Home entertainment consumer electronics

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

Now

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