Vendor: CAST Category: CPU

PipelineZero 32-bit Embedded Processor

The BA20 is a small, ultra-low-power, and very efficient 32-bit processor.

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Overview

The BA20 is a small, ultra-low-power, and very efficient 32-bit processor. It is an excellent step up from the 8051 and other 8- and 16-bit microcontrollers, and ideal for energy-sensitive deeply embedded applications such as wearable electronics, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, wireless communication, and other mixed-signal ICs. 

Thanks to its PipelineZero™ architecture, the BA20 core delivers a surprisingly high processing efficiency with a tiny silicon footprint. True single-cycle instruction execution of the BA2 ISA, zero-delay branches, no pipeline-stalling overheads, and an optional hardware multiply unit enable the BA20 to operate with efficiency as high as 3.48  CoreMarks/MHz. With no pipeline stages in the instruction execution path, the BA20 uses a minimal number of flip-flops and a simplified CPU control, so its processing efficiency comes without a silicon area penalty. These advantages plus advanced power management features and the extreme code density of the BA2™ instruction set, make the BA20 the most energy-efficient 32-bit processor currently available. 

The BA20’s capabilities can be enhanced with options including a single-precision floating-point unit, a multiply-accumulate unit, and a unit accelerating the DSP extensions of the BA2 instruction set. 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 core’s system interface uses two AMBA® AXI4™ or optionally two AHB-Lite™ buses, one for data and one for instructions. Two tightly-coupled embedded memory (EMEM) buses allow fast access for time-critical code and dat and can be used for inter-core communication in a multi-core architecture.  

The BA20 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, Beyond Studio IDE, architectural simulator, and ported C libraries. Advanced debugging capabilities and off-the-shelf development boards can further ease software development. 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 BA20 processor core has been designed for easy reuse and integration, has been rigorously verified, and is production proven.

Key features

  • Ultra-Low Power 
    • PipelineZero architecture for high performance and efficiency in a  tiny silicon footprint 
    • 3.48 Coremarks/MHz 
    • From 6,000 sq. um (~8K gates) in a typical 28 nm process  
    • More than 300 MHz in TSMC 28nm HPM 
    • 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 
  • 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 
  • Pre-Integrated Platforms 
    • Available microcontroller peripherals include GPIO, UART, Real-Time Clock, Timers, I2C, and SPI 
    • Memory controllers, interconnects, and more from the CAST IP line 
  • 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

BA20 block diagram

Specifications

Identity

Part Number
BA20
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 PipelineZero 32-bit Embedded Processor?

PipelineZero 32-bit 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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