The trend towards computing-intensive gateways and edge devices is driving the integration of traditional deterministic control applications with additional embedded processing capabilities needed for smart and secure connected systems. Responding to the need Microchip Technology Inc is opening the Early Access Program (EAP) for the PolarFire System on Chip (SoC) field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The platform offers a hardened realtime, Linux capable, RISC-V based microprocessor subsystem on the mid-range PolarFire FPGA family. It brings class-leading low power consumption, thermal efficiency, and defense-grade security to embedded systems.
The qualified EAP customers can now start designing with the Microchip’s Libero SoC 12.3 FPGA design suite and SoftConsole 6.2 integrated development environment for embedded developers. The debugging of embedded applications using Renode, a virtual model of the microprocessor subsystem is also made available for the customers
Features of PolarFire SoC
- Delivers power efficiency that is up to 50% lower power than competitive devices in the industry.
- Eliminates the need for fans and heat sinks and reduces the bill of materials.
- Has a deterministic, coherent RISC-V CPU cluster
- Has a deterministic L2 memory subsystem enabling Linux plus real-time applications.
- Single error correction and double error detection (SEC-DED) on all memories
- Physical memory protection
- Differential Power Analysis (DPA) resistant crypto core.
- Defense grade secure boot and 128 Kb of flash boot memory.
The support of Real-time and rich operating systems like Linux is part of Microchip’s growing Mi-V RISC-V ecosystem, a comprehensive suite of tools and design resources developed by Microchip and numerous third parties to fully support RISC-V designs. Many Ecosystem partners like PolarFire SoC include WindRiver, Mentor Graphics, WolfSSL, ExpressLogic, Veridify, Hex Five, and FreeRTOS and development tools from IAR systems and AdaCore are ready to support the PolarFire SoC.
The PolarFire SoC has extensive debug capabilities that include instruction trace and passive run-time configurable Advanced eXtensible Interface (AXI) bus monitors from Mi-V partner UltraSoC, 50 breakpoints, FPGA fabric monitors, and Microchip’s built-in two-channel logic analyzer SmartDebug.
To qualify for the early access program, customers can contact PolarFireSoC@microchip.com. The MPFS250T is expected to be available for sampling CQ3 2020. Customers can start designing now with the development tools provided. Public documentation and collateral are also available today. For more information about the PolarFire SoC visit the product page on the official website of Micrichip Technology Inc.
