All IPs > Processor > Building Blocks
Processor building blocks are fundamental components within the realm of semiconductor IPs that play a crucial role in the development and optimization of processors. These building blocks are indispensable for crafting sophisticated, high-performance processors required in a wide range of electronic devices, from handheld gadgets to large-scale computing systems.
Processor semiconductor IP building blocks include key elements such as arithmetic logic units (ALUs), registers, and control units, which integrate to form the central processing unit (CPU). Each of these components contributes to the overall functionality of the processor. ALUs enable the processor to perform arithmetic operations and logical decisions, while registers provide the necessary storage for quick data access. Control units are responsible for interpreting instructions and coordinating other components to execute tasks efficiently. Together, these building blocks ensure that processors perform at optimal levels, handling complex computational tasks with ease.
One of the primary uses of processor building blocks is in creating devices that require advanced computational power, such as smartphones, tablets, personal computers, and servers. These semiconductor IPs help in the design of custom processors that meet specific performance, power consumption, and cost requirements. By leveraging these building blocks, designers can develop processors that are tailored to particular applications, thereby enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of devices. This customizability also facilitates innovations in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and autonomous vehicles, where processors need to handle rapidly growing workloads.
The processor building blocks category in our Silicon Hub encompasses a diverse range of semiconductor IPs that cater to different processing needs. From general-purpose processors with balanced performance to specialized processors with optimized functionalities, this category provides essential components for developing next-generation electronic solutions. By utilizing these building blocks, designers and engineers can push the boundaries of processing technology, creating more capable and efficient devices that meet the evolving demands of modern consumers and industries.
The Origin E1 neural engines by Expedera redefine efficiency and customization for low-power AI solutions. Specially crafted for edge devices like home appliances and security cameras, these engines serve ultra-low power applications that demand continuous sensing capabilities. They minimize power consumption to as low as 10-20mW, keeping data secure and eliminating the need for external memory access. The advanced packet-based architecture enhances performance by facilitating parallel layer execution, thereby optimizing resource utilization. Designed to be a perfect fit for dedicated AI functions, Origin E1 is tailored to support specific neural networks efficiently while reducing silicon area and system costs. It supports various neural networks, from CNNs to RNNs, making it versatile for numerous applications. This engine is also one of the most power-efficient in the industry, boasting an impressive 18 TOPS per Watt. Origin E1 also offers a full TVM-based software stack for easy integration and performance optimization across customer platforms. It supports a wide array of data types and networks, ensuring flexibility and sustained power efficiency, averaging 80% utilization. This makes it a reliable choice for OEMs looking for high performance in always-sensing applications, offering a competitive edge in both power efficiency and security.
The Origin E8 NPUs represent Expedera's cutting-edge solution for environments demanding the utmost in processing power and efficiency. This high-performance core scales its TOPS capacity between 32 and 128 with single-core configurations, addressing complex AI tasks in automotive and data-centric operational settings. The E8’s architecture stands apart due to its capability to handle multiple concurrent tasks without any compromise in performance. This unit adopts Expedera's signature packet-based architecture for optimized parallel execution and resource management, removing the necessity for hardware-specific tweaks. The Origin E8 also supports high input resolutions up to 8K and integrates well across standard and custom neural networks, enhancing its utility in future-forward AI applications. Leveraging a flexible, scalable design, the E8 IP cores make use of an exhaustive software suite to augment AI deployment. Field-proven and already deployed in a multitude of consumer vehicles, Expedera's Origin E8 provides a robust, reliable choice for developers needing optimized AI inference performance, ideally suited for data centers and high-power automobile systems.
The High Performance RISC-V Processor from Cortus represents the forefront of high-end computing, designed for applications demanding exceptional processing speeds and throughput. It features an out-of-order execution core that supports both single-core and multi-core configurations for diverse computing environments. This processor specializes in handling complex tasks requiring multi-threading and cache coherency, making it suitable for applications ranging from desktops and laptops to high-end servers and supercomputers. It includes integrated vector and AI accelerators, enhancing its capability to manage intensive data-processing workloads efficiently. Furthermore, this RISC-V processor is adaptable for advanced embedded systems, including automotive central units and AI applications in ADAS, providing enormous potential for innovation and performance across various markets.
Origin E2 NPUs focus on delivering power and area efficiency, making them ideal for on-device AI applications in smartphones and edge nodes. These processing units support a wide range of neural networks, including video, audio, and text-based applications, all while maintaining impressive performance metrics. The unique packet-based architecture ensures effective performance with minimal latency and eliminates the need for hardware-specific optimizations. The E2 series offers customization options allowing it to fit specific application needs perfectly, with configurations supporting up to 20 TOPS. This flexibility represents significant design advancements that help increase processing efficiency without introducing latency penalties. Expedera's power-efficient design results in NPUs with industry-leading performance at 18 TOPS per Watt. Further augmenting the value of E2 NPUs is their ability to run multiple neural network types efficiently, including LLMs, CNNs, RNNs, and others. The IP is field-proven, deployed in over 10 million consumer devices, reinforcing its reliability and effectiveness in real-world applications. This makes the Origin E2 an excellent choice for companies aiming to enhance AI capabilities while managing power and area constraints effectively.
The TimbreAI T3 is an ultra-low-power AI engine specifically designed for audio applications, providing optimal performance in noise reduction tasks for devices like headsets. Known for its energy efficiency, the T3 operates with less than 300 microwatts of power consumption, allowing it to support performance-hungry applications without requiring external memory. The innovative architecture of TimbreAI leverages a packet-based framework focusing on achieving superior power efficiency and customization to the specific requirements of audio neural networks. This tailored engineering ensures no alteration is needed in trained models to achieve the desired performance metrics, thereby establishing a new standard in energy-efficient AI deployments across audio-centric devices. Geared towards consumer electronics and wearables, the T3 extends the potential for battery life in TWS headsets and similar devices by significantly reducing power consumption. With its preconfiguration for handling common audio network functions, TimbreAI provides a seamless development environment for OEMs eager to integrate AI capabilities with minimal power and area overheads.
The Origin E6 neural engines are built to push the boundaries of what's possible in edge AI applications. Supporting the latest in AI model innovations, such as generative AI and various traditional networks, the E6 scales from 16 to 32 TOPS, aimed at balancing performance, efficiency, and flexibility. This versatility is essential for high-demand applications in next-generation devices like smartphones, digital reality setups, and consumer electronics. Expedera’s E6 employs packet-based architecture, facilitating parallel execution that leads to optimal resource usage and eliminating the need for dedicated hardware optimizations. A standout feature of this IP is its ability to maintain up to 90% processor utilization even in complex multi-network environments, thus proving its robustness and adaptability. Crafted to fit various use cases precisely, E6 offers a comprehensive TVM-based software stack and is well-suited for tasks that require simultaneous running of numerous neural networks. This has been proven through its deployment in over 10 million consumer units. Its design effectively manages power and system resources, thus minimizing latency and maximizing throughput in demanding scenarios.
The xcore.ai platform by XMOS Semiconductor is a sophisticated and cost-effective solution aimed specifically at intelligent IoT applications. Harnessing a unique multi-threaded micro-architecture, xcore.ai provides superior low latency and highly predictable performance, tailored for diverse industrial needs. It is equipped with 16 logical cores divided across two multi-threaded processing tiles. These tiles come enhanced with 512 kB of SRAM and a vector unit supporting both integer and floating-point operations, allowing it to process both simple and complex computational demands efficiently. A key feature of the xcore.ai platform is its powerful interprocessor communication infrastructure, which enables seamless high-speed communication between processors, facilitating ultimate scalability across multiple systems on a chip. Within this homogeneous environment, developers can comfortably integrate DSP, AI/ML, control, and I/O functionalities, allowing the device to adapt to specific application requirements efficiently. Moreover, the software-defined architecture allows optimal configuration, reducing power consumption and achieving cost-effective intelligent solutions. The xcore.ai platform shows impressive DSP capabilities, thanks to its scalar pipeline that achieves up to 32-bit floating-point operations and peak performance rates of up to 1600 MFLOPS. AI/ML capabilities are also robust, with support for various bit vector operations, making the platform a strong contender for AI applications requiring homogeneous computing environments and exceptional operator integration.
The SiFive Essential family embodies a customizable range of processor cores, designed to fulfill various market-specific requirements. From small microcontroller units (MCUs) to more complex 64-bit processors capable of running operating systems, the Essential series provides flexibility in design and functionality. These processors support a diverse set of applications including IoT devices, real-time controls, and control plane processing. They offer scalable performance through sophisticated pipeline architectures, catering to both embedded and rich-OS environments. The Essential series offers advanced configurations which can be tailored to optimize for power and area footprint, making it suitable for devices where space and energy are limited. This aligns well with the needs of edge devices and other applications where efficiency and performance must meet in a balanced manner.
ChipJuice is a versatile and potent software tool developed by Texplained to facilitate the reverse engineering of integrated circuits. It is instrumental in various activities, from digital forensics and backdoor research to technology intelligence and IP infringement investigations. The software's intuitive design and sophisticated processing algorithms make it accessible to a broad range of users, including LEAs, chip makers, and research institutions. ChipJuice excels at analyzing the internal architecture of ICs, providing detailed netlists and hardware description language files, which are vital for understanding and securing chip designs.
DolphinWare IPs is a versatile portfolio of intellectual property solutions that enable efficient SoC design. This collection includes various control logic components such as FIFO, arbiter, and arithmetic components like math operators and converters. In addition, the logic components span counters, registers, and multiplexers, providing essential functionalities for diverse industrial applications. The IPs in this lineup are meticulously designed to ensure data integrity, supported by robust verification IPs for AXI4, APB, SD4.0, and more. This comprehensive suite meets the stringent demands of modern electronic designs, facilitating seamless integration into existing design paradigms. Beyond their broad functionality, DolphinWare’s offerings are fundamental to applications requiring specific control logic and data integrity solutions, making them indispensable for enterprises looking to modernize or expand their product offerings while ensuring compliance with industry standards.
aiWare represents a specialized hardware IP core designed for optimizing neural network performance in automotive AI applications. This neural processing unit (NPU) delivers exceptional efficiency for a spectrum of AI workloads, crucial for powering automated driving systems. Its design is focused on scalability and versatility, supporting applications ranging from L2 regulatory tasks to complex multi-sensor L3+ systems, ensuring flexibility to accommodate evolving technological needs. The aiWare hardware is integrated with advanced features like industry-leading data bandwidth management and deterministic processing, ensuring high efficiency across diverse workloads. This makes it a reliable choice for automotive sectors striving for ASIL-B certification in safety-critical environments. aiWare's architecture utilizes patented dataflows to maximize performance while minimizing power consumption, critical in automotive scenarios where resource efficiency is paramount. Additionally, aiWare is supported by an innovative SDK that simplifies the development process through offline performance estimation and extensive integration tools. These capabilities reduce the dependency on low-level programming for neural network execution, streamlining development cycles and enhancing the adaptability of AI applications in automotive domains.
The Universal DSP Library by Enclustra delivers streamlined solutions for digital signal processing within the AMD Vivado ML Design Suite. Providing a comprehensive library of DSP components like FIR and CIC filters, mixers, and CORDIC function approximations, the library enables developers to rapidly create signal processing chains. This is achieved through both raw VHDL source and Vivado IPI blocks, simplifying integration and significantly reducing development time. The library supports efficient bit-true software models in Python, allowing thorough evaluation of processing chains prior to FPGA implementation. This capability not only improves the development process but also provides a clear path from software simulation to hardware implementation. The DSP components are fully documented, with reference designs to guide users in combining various blocks to form complex DSP systems. Targeted at numerous applications such as software-defined radio and digital signal processing, the library addresses common DSP needs, freeing developers to concentrate on project-specific innovations. Furthermore, it supports multiple data channels and works with both continuous wave and pulse processing, utilizing the AXI4-Stream protocol for a standard interface structure.
The Tachyum Prodigy Universal Processor is a pioneering technology, serving as the world's first universal processor. It seamlessly integrates the capabilities of CPUs, GPGPUs, and TPUs into a single architectural framework. This innovation drastically enhances performance, energy efficiency, and space utilization, making it a favored choice for AI, high-performance computing, and hyperscale data centers. Designed to operate at lower costs than traditional processors, Prodigy provides a notable reduction in the total cost of ownership for data centers, while simultaneously delivering superior execution speed, surpassing conventional Xeon processors. The processor enables the transformation of data centers into integrated computational environments, supporting an array of applications from basic processing tasks to advanced AI training and inference. The Prodigy processor also supports a wide range of applications, allowing developers to run existing software without modifications. This flexibility is complemented by the ability to lower energy consumption significantly, making it an environmental ally by decreasing carbon emissions. The processor's design strategy sidesteps silicon underutilization, fostering an ecosystem for energy-efficient simulations and data analysis. This sustainability focus is vital as high-performance computing demands continue to escalate, making Prodigy a forward-thinking choice for enterprises focused on green computing solutions.
IMEC's Monolithic Microsystems offer a leap forward in integrating complex electronic systems onto a single chip. These systems are developed to meet the growing demand for miniaturization, performance, and multifunctionality in electronics, particularly significant for industries looking to enhance device sophistication without expanding physical footprint. Monolithic Microsystems are pivotal in applications ranging from consumer electronics to industrial automation, where space efficiency and performance are key. The innovation lies in the seamless integration of multiple components into a single monolith, significantly reducing interconnections and enhancing signal integrity. This approach not only streamlines the manufacturing process but also boosts reliability and enhances the system’s overall performance. The small form factor and high functionality make it a preferred choice for developing smarter, interconnected devices across various high-tech sectors. These microsystems are specifically engineered to cater to advanced applications such as wearable technology, smart medical devices, and sophisticated sensors. By marrying advanced materials with innovative design paradigms, IMEC ensures that these microsystems can withstand challenging operating conditions, offering robustness and longevity. Further, the monolithic integration allows for new levels of device intelligence and integration, facilitating the growth of next-generation electronics tailored to specific industry needs.
The CwIP-RT is a real-time processing core tailored for applications that necessitate rapid and efficient data processing. This powerful core is ideal for environments where time-sensitive data operations are critical, providing developers with a robust platform to execute complex data tasks seamlessly. The CwIP-RT is built to manage substantial data loads while maintaining precise operational efficiency, embodying Coreworks' commitment to high-performance computing solutions. Designed for diverse computing environments, the CwIP-RT offers flexibility and reliability, ensuring that it can adapt to the varying demands of real-time applications. Its architecture supports rapid data throughput, making it suitable for cutting-edge computing systems that require swift and efficient data handling. This processing core is engineered to integrate effortlessly with existing systems, providing enhanced processing capabilities without complicating system architecture. Coreworks' attention to detail in optimizing processing performance manifests in the CwIP-RT's design, which emphasizes both speed and accuracy. It's an essential tool for developers aiming to improve the responsiveness and processing power of their systems, making it invaluable for applications that include real-time analytics, IoT, and advanced computational tasks. With the CwIP-RT, Coreworks offers a solution that pushes the boundaries of real-time processing while ensuring stability and reliability.
iCEVision is a powerful evaluation platform for the iCE40 UltraPlus FPGA, providing designers with the tools needed to rapid prototype and confirm connectivity features. The platform is compatible with most camera interfaces like ArduCam CSI and PMOD, allowing seamless integration into various imaging solutions. The board's exposed I/Os make it easy to implement and test user-defined functions, facilitating swift development from concept to production. It is equipped with a programmable SPI Flash and SRAM, supporting flexible programming using Lattice's Diamond Programmer and iCEcube2 software. With its small footprint and robust capabilities, iCEVision is ideal for developers looking to design customized projects. It's a go-to solution for rapid prototyping, ensuring efficient and effective deployment of visual processing applications in diverse arenas.
The EMSA5-FS is a 32-bit Functional Safety Processor built on the RISC-V architecture, specifically tailored for applications requiring functional safety certification. Equipped with an ISO 26262 ASIL-D Ready certificate, the processor excels in environments where safety is paramount. The EMSA5-FS features a five-stage pipeline with optional L0 cache and supports a comprehensive range of RISC-V ISA options. The design incorporates advanced safety features such as Dual Modular Redundancy (DMR), Error Correcting Code (ECC), and sample reset modules, making it robust against faults.\n\nThis processor is highly customizable, allowing users to select specific ISA options that best apply to their application, including support for embedded and vector instructions. The deliverables for the EMSA5-FS include a comprehensive safety manual and diagnostic analysis reports, providing users with all necessary documentation to proceed with certification processes.\n\nPerformance-wise, the EMSA5-FS is scalable, with DMR implementations starting at 40k gates and triple TMR setups from 60k gates, enabling high-frequency operation over 1GHz on advanced nodes. This makes it particularly suited for use in automotive and industrial sectors where safety and reliability are crucial.
The RAIV serves as a General Purpose GPU (GPGPU), designed to provide heightened computational power across a variety of applications. Tailored for data-intensive operations, this GPU plays a vital role in accelerating processes within fields like artificial intelligence, autonomous technology, and complex data centers. It represents a cornerstone of innovation for industries moving into the fourth industrial revolution. Drawing on advanced architecture, the RAIV GPU facilitates rapid data processing, making it a significant player in enhancing the functionality of IoT devices, VR/AR platforms, and cloud computing infrastructures. Its robust performance capabilities not only improve efficiency but also enable new possibilities for developers aiming to create sophisticated applications in these sectors. Siliconarts ensures the RAIV meets the high standards of modern technical environments, providing seamless integration and adaptability. Its design supports scalability across different platforms, offering a versatile solution that keeps pace with the evolving demands of technology-driven industries. The RAIV's focus on general-purpose computations positions it as a critical component for cutting-edge advancements in technology.
The iCan PicoPop® System on Module (SOM) is a high-performance miniaturized module designed to meet the advanced signal processing demands of modern avionics. Built on the Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC from Xilinx, it provides unparalleled computational power ideal for complex computation tasks. This SOM is perfectly suited for embedded applications within aerospace sectors, offering flexibility and performance critical for video processing and other data-intensive tasks. The compactness of the PicoPop® does not detract from its capabilities, allowing it to fit seamlessly into tight spaces while providing robust functionality. The versatility and scalability of the iCan PicoPop® make it an attractive option for developers seeking high-data throughput and power efficiency, supporting enhanced performance in avionics applications. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, this module elevates the standard for embedded electronic solutions in aviation.
The BA51 is a deeply embedded, ultra-low-power RISC-V processor designed for energy-sensitive applications such as IoT devices. With a single-issue, in-order, 2-stage pipeline, the BA51 achieves excellent energy efficiency, operating with less than 16k gates. This processor is capable of running at frequencies over 500 MHz at 16nm, delivering substantial performance for applications needing minimal power consumption and processing power.\n\nAdvanced power management techniques, including dynamic clock gating and frequency scaling, are integrated into the BA51 to further optimize power usage, making it ideal for prolonged battery-operated devices. Additionally, the processor supports an optional L0 cache, enhancing performance where required.\n\nThe BA51's architecture supports the RV32 base integer or embedded ISA and extensions such as RV32[I/E][C][M], ensuring adaptability to various application needs. This flexibility, combined with its efficient design, makes the BA51 a compelling choice for developers focusing on cost-effective and power-sensitive solutions.
Lightelligence's PACE is an advanced photonic computing platform that integrates a 64x64 optical matrix multiplier into a silicon photonic chip alongside a CMOS microelectronic chip. This fully integrated system employs sophisticated 3D packaging technology and contains over 12,000 discrete photonic devices. The PACE platform is designed to operate at a system clock of 1GHz, making it ideal for ultra-low latency and energy-efficient applications. The platform's architecture is powered by the Optical Multiply Accumulate (oMAC) technology, which is essential for performing optical matrix multiplications. Input vectors are initially extracted from on-chip SRAM and converted into analog values, which are then modulated optically. The resulting optical vector propagates through an optical matrix to generate an output vector, which undergoes conversion back to the digital domain after being detected by an array of photodetectors. PACE aims to tackle computational challenges, particularly in scenarios like solving Ising problems, where interactions are encoded in an adjacency matrix. The photonic processing capabilities of PACE are geared towards speeding up numerous applications, including bioinformatics, route planning, and materials research, promising significant breakthroughs in chip design and computational efficiency.
Designed for low-power consumption with high performance in embedded systems, the BA53 RISC-V processor features a 5-stage pipeline architecture optimized for deeply embedded applications. This processor is characterized by its power efficiency, achieving operation above 1GHz at 22nm technology, using as few as 30k gates. With the ability to hit 2.53 Coremarks/MHz, the BA53 combines speed and efficiency effectively.\n\nThe BA53 includes optional L0 instruction and data caches to boost performance without significantly impacting its energy efficiency, allowing flexible configuration based on system requirements. This makes it highly suitable for a wide array of embedded systems needing robust processing power with minimal energy throughput.\n\nThe architecture supports the comprehensive RISC-V ISA, providing options for RV32 base integer and additional extensions, making the BA53 adaptable to multiple scenarios. It is particularly suitable for applications needing a balance of power efficiency and computational capability, making it an ideal solution for modern embedded system challenges.
The YVR provides computing efficiency through its AVR instruction set architecture and 2-clock machine cycle. Targeted at applications requiring swift execution times and minimal energy consumption, it stands out as a reliable microprocessor choice.
The BA25 is a high-performance 32-bit application processor tailored for systems requiring computational strength and efficiency. Equipped with a seven-stage pipeline, this processor is ideally optimized for running operating systems like Linux and Android. Such a configuration ensures it delivers robust application processing power with the flexibility needed for advanced computing requirements.\n\nThe BA25 stands out for its adaptability in multi-faceted environments, offering support for external memory interfaces to extend its utility in various applications. This processor's design focuses on optimizing performance while maintaining low power consumption, thus ensuring its suitability for a broad spectrum of high-demand scenarios.\n\nIdeal for application-driven environments, the BA25 integrates seamlessly with application subsystems, making it suitable for general computing and specialized tasks. Its scalable architecture accommodates diverse workloads, making it a preferred choice for developers looking to balance performance and energy efficiency. This processor core is particularly effective for developers who seek to push the boundaries of what's possible in embedded systems relying on reliable and powerful processing cores.