Renesas Introduces 32-bit RISC-V CPU Core, Outpacing Rivals in Innovation

Renesas Electronics Corporation, a leading semiconductor solutions provider, has announced the successful design and testing of a 32-bit CPU core based on the open-standard RISC-V instruction set architecture (ISA). This move makes Renesas one of the early players to independently develop a CPU core for the growing 32-bit general-purpose RISC-V market. The new RISC-V CPU core offers an open and flexible platform for various applications, including IoT, consumer electronics, healthcare, and industrial systems. Renesas’ existing IP portfolio of 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs), which includes the proprietary RX Family and the RA Family based on ARM Cortex-M architecture, will be complemented by this new offering.

RISC-V is gaining popularity in the semiconductor industry due to its flexibility, scalability, power efficiency, and open ecosystem. While many MCU providers have formed joint investment alliances to expedite the development of RISC-V products, Renesas has taken the unique approach of independently developing its own RISC-V core. This versatile CPU core can function as a primary application controller, a secondary core in SoCs (System-on-Chips), on-chip subsystems, or even in deeply embedded ASSPs (Application-Specific Standard Products). With this development, Renesas positions itself as a frontrunner in the emerging RISC-V market, following its previous successful introductions of 32-bit voice-control and motor-control ASSP devices, as well as the RZ/Five 64-bit general-purpose microprocessors (MPUs) built on CPU cores developed by Andes Technology Corp.

Daryl Khoo, Vice President of the IoT Platform Division at Renesas, expressed pride in offering embedded processing solutions for a wide range of customers and applications. He highlighted that this new core expands their leadership in the RISC-V market and enables them to deliver solutions that cater to diverse requirements.

Calista Redmond, CEO at RISC-V International, congratulated Renesas on this milestone achievement in 32-bit RISC-V MCU architecture development. She emphasized how this accomplishment showcases the rapid advancement of RISC-V innovation by ecosystem partners like Renesas. The RISC-V community spans across 70 countries and boasts more than 4,000 members, with exciting innovations anticipated from this dynamic and expanding market.

The Renesas RISC-V CPU core delivers impressive performance, achieving 3.27 CoreMark/MHz, surpassing similar architectures available in the market. It incorporates extensions that enhance performance while reducing code size.

Renesas is currently sampling devices based on the new core to select customers, with plans to launch its first RISC-V-based MCU and associated development tools in the first quarter of 2024. Further details about the new MCU will be disclosed at that time. For more information about RISC-V solutions, visit renesas.com/risc-v. A blog article providing further insights into the new RISC-V CPU can be found here.

Background Information

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About ARM:

ARM, originally known as Acorn RISC Machine, is a British semiconductor and software design company that specializes in creating energy-efficient microprocessors, system-on-chip (SoC) designs, and related technologies. Founded in 1990, ARM has become a important player in the global semiconductor industry and is widely recognized for its contributions to mobile computing, embedded systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. ARM's microprocessor designs are based on the Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) architecture, which prioritizes simplicity and efficiency in instruction execution. This approach has enabled ARM to produce highly efficient and power-saving processors that are used in a vast array of devices, ranging from smartphones and tablets to IoT devices, smart TVs, and more. The company does not manufacture its own chips but licenses its processor designs and intellectual property to a wide range of manufacturers, including Qualcomm, Apple, Samsung, and NVIDIA, who then integrate ARM's technology into their own SoCs. This licensing model has contributed to ARM's widespread adoption and influence across various industries.

  

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Technology Explained

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CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the most important component of a computer system, as it is responsible for controlling all other components. CPUs are used in a wide range of applications, from desktop computers to mobile devices, gaming consoles, and even supercomputers. CPUs are used to process data, execute instructions, and control the flow of information within a computer system. They are also used to control the input and output of data, as well as to store and retrieve data from memory. CPUs are essential for the functioning of any computer system, and their applications in the computer industry are vast.

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