32-bit RISC ProcessorIP CoreBA22-EMBA22 32-bit Embedded Processor

On this page: Description | Implementation Results | Features | Applications | Block Diagram | Processor Description | Support & Services | Deliverables

Implements a 32-bit RISC processor for deeply embedded applications that use off-chip instruction and data memories and that may need to run a real-time operating system (RTOS). Part of the royalty-free BA22 family, this processor core is extremely competitive in terms of high performance and low power consumption, and has best-in-class code density (yielding very small program size).

The core has Instruction and Data Caches, dedicated buses for the on-chip instructions and data memories, and an AMBA® AHB™ or Wishbone system bus interface. It in-cludes up to 32 general purpose registers (GPRs), a tick-timer (TTimer), a programmable interrupt controller (PIC), an advanced power management unit (PMU), and an optional debug unit (DBGU). Additional microcontroller peripherals may be or-dered 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 proces-sor configuration with memory controllers, image compression, or other CAST IP cores.

The processor’s BA2 instruction set is relatively simple and extremely compact. Pro-graming is facilitated with the included C/C++ tool chain, Eclipse IDE, architectural simulator, and ported C libraries.

The BA22-EM synthesizes to less than 20k gates, can be clocked with more than 450MHz in a 65nm technology and can provide as many as 1.59 DMIPS/MHz. The core is delivered, with a complete software development environment under Eclipse IDE, and its users get access to already ported real time operating systems (eCOS and uClinux).

The BA22 family of processors has been designed for easy reuse and integration, has been rigorously verified, and is production proven. Contact CAST Sales for details.

BA22-EM reference designs have been evaluated in a variety of technologies. See representative implementation results (in a new pop-up window):

Features

High Performance 32-bit CPU

• 1.59 DMIPS/MHz
• Single-cycle execution on most instructions
• Fast and precise internal interrupt response
• Custom user instructions

Small Silicon Footprint & Low Power Consumption

• Industry-leading code density
• Compact code minimizes instruction memory area & power
• 32-bit architecture reduces power-draining memory accesses
• 19k gates and low as 0.05mW/MHz on 90nm

Fast & Flexible Memory Access

• Harvard-style, separate Instructions and Data caches
• Tightly coupled Quick Memory for fast and deterministic access to code and/or data

Efficient Power Management

• Further reduces power consumption by 2x to 100x using dynamic clock gating for individual units
• Software controlled clock frequency in slow and idle modes
• Interrupt wake-up in doze and sleep modes

Advanced Debug Capability

• Conventional target-debug agent with a debug exception handler
• Non-intrusive debug/trace for both RISC and system
• Complex chained watchpoint and breakpoint conditions
• Uses industry standard Amontec JTAGKey USB to JTAG interface

Integrated Peripherals

• Standard:32 bit tick timer, programmable interrupt controller with 32 maskable interrupt sources

Optional Peripherals

• AMBA bus infrastructure
• Microcontroller peripherals such as GPIO. UART, Real-Time Clock, and Timers
• Serial communication cores such as I2C and SPI
• Memory controllers, interconnect IP and more

Easy Software Development

• Eclipse IDE for Windows, Linux

• ANSI C/C++ compiler, debugger, linker, assembler, & utilities

• Architectural simulator

• Ported libraries & RTOS

Applications

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

Block Diagram

Processor Description

The BA22 family uses a 32-bit RISC processor architecture designed for high performance with great silicon and power efficiency.

The highly configurable design may include caches and memory management units, enhanced arithmetic processing capabilities such as a divider and floating point unit, a sophisticated power management unit, and an interactive, JTAG-based debug capability.

The BA22-EM is one pre-configured version of the BA22, targeted for a variety of deeply embedded applications.

BA22 processors are also designed for quick, efficient software development. The BA2 instruction set they use provides the highest code density in its class, without compromises on performance, ease of use, or scalability. It features:

• A linear, 32-bit or 64-bit logical address space
• An instruction length of 16, 24, 36, 48, or 64 bits, which reduces memory requirements by as much as 40%.
• Simple memory addressing modes
• Configurable general purpose registers (12 to 32 GPRs)
• Efficient memory transfer instructions

The BA22 has already proven itself in multiple production designs.

Support and Services

The core as delivered is warranted against defects for 90 days from purchase. Thirty days of phone and email technical support are included, starting with the first interaction. Additional maintenance and support options are available.

IP Integration Services are also available to help minimize time to market for BA22-based systems.

Deliverables

The core is available for ASICs in synthesizable HDL, and includes everything required for successful implementation:

• Verilog RTL source code
• Verilog Testbench
• Silicon-proven Reference SoC/ASIC Design
• Software development tools for Cygwin on Windows and Linux, with Eclipse IDE interface
• Operating systems and board support package

A reference design board running Linux and FPGA versions of the core are also available; contact CAST Sales for information.

On this page: Description | Implementation Results | Features | Applications | Block Diagram | Processor Description | Support & Services | Deliverables

Download PDF datasheets for more info: ASIC