Synopsys bolsters ARC Processor IP lineup, introduces new RISC-V family

Synopsys, a leading provider of semiconductor design and verification solutions, has expanded its ARC Processor IP portfolio with the introduction of new RISC-V ARC-V Processor IP. This addition allows customers to choose from a wide range of flexible and extensible processor options, providing optimal power-performance efficiency for their specific applications.

The ARC-V Processor IP builds upon Synopsys’ existing ARC Processors’ proven microarchitecture, while also benefiting from the expanding RISC-V software ecosystem. The portfolio includes high-performance, mid-range, and ultra-low power options, as well as functional safety versions, catering to a broad range of application workloads.

To facilitate software development, the ARC-V Processor IP is supported by the robust and proven Synopsys MetaWare Development Toolkit, which generates highly efficient code. Furthermore, Synopsys.ai’s full-stack AI-driven EDA suite is co-optimized with the ARC-V Processor IP, providing a comprehensive development and verification environment that enhances productivity and quality-of-results for ARC-V-based SoCs.

“The increasing numbers of chips in automotive systems demand resilience in the semiconductor ecosystem, and to that end the industry is pushing for the adoption of open standards like RISC-V,” said Thomas Boehm, senior vice president, Automotive Microcontroller at Infineon. “By developing safety-certified RISC-V based processor IP, Synopsys is supporting us to expand the architecture choices with an open standard to build high-performance automotive systems with the highest levels of functional safety, and we look forward to continuing to partner with them in our future products.”

RISC-V, an open-standard ISA, is gaining global adoption and shaping the future of semiconductor design. Synopsys’ commitment and advancements in this space contribute to the acceleration of RISC-V’s progress. Calista Redmond, CEO of RISC-V International, stated, “Synopsys ARC-V Processor IP, combined with the company’s co-optimized EDA and verification solutions, contribute to greater flexibility and choice in the RISC-V ecosystem for the benefit of chip design across industries.”

With decades of expertise in processor IP development, Synopsys has delivered multiple generations of power-efficient and highly scalable ARC Processors used in billions of automotive, storage, consumer, and IoT SoCs. Leveraging this experience, Synopsys expands its portfolio to support the RISC-V ISA, offering ultra-configurable and extensible processors that enable developers to differentiate their SoCs and optimize power, performance, and area (PPA) balance.

“RISC-V processors are gaining in popularity as more designers look for greater design flexibility and more options,” said John Koeter, senior vice president of product management and strategy for IP at Synopsys. “Synopsys answered this call by evolving the ARC Processor IP portfolio to provide our customers with a wider choice for their processing needs based on the proven, scalable RISC-V ISA to help them meet their diverse workload requirements.”

Synopsys ARC-V Functional Safety (FS) Processor IP integrates hardware safety features to detect system errors, supports ASIL B and ASIL D safety levels, and accelerates ISO 26262 functional safety and ISO 21434 automotive cybersecurity qualifications. Developed based on Synopsys’ ISO 9001-certified Quality Management System (QMS), the ARC-V FS Processor IP enables designers to meet challenging ASIL D systematic development standards. Additionally, the MetaWare Development Toolkit for Safety aids software developers in accelerating the development of ISO 26262-compliant code.

To facilitate the design and full verification of SoCs utilizing the RISC-V ARC-V Processor IP, Synopsys offers a range of tools and technologies. These include Synopsys.ai, a full-stack AI-driven EDA suite that optimizes PPA and speeds up time to market, Fusion QuickStart Implementation Kits for maximizing PPA, architecture design for system-level analysis and optimization, virtual prototypes with Synopsys ARC-V models, hardware-assisted verification, and verification IP for accelerated verification and software development. The Synopsys Cloud SaaS platform provides browser-based access to unlimited EDA licenses, pre-optimized compute, and complete license management automation, enabling designers to deliver high-quality chips ahead of schedule.

In addition to its product developments, Synopsys has joined the RISC-V International Board of Directors and Technical Steering Committee to support the industry’s adoption of the RISC-V ISA and contribute to defining the future of computing architecture standards.

The Synopsys ARC-V Processor IP portfolio is expected to be generally available starting in 2024. The 32-bit Synopsys ARC-V RMX embedded processor IP is scheduled for release in Q2 2024, while the 32-bit Synopsys ARC-V RHX real-time processor IP and 64-bit Synopsys ARC-V RPX host processor IP are planned for availability in the second half of 2024.

Background Information

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About Synopsys: Synopsys is a prominent American software company that specializes in electronic design automation (EDA) and semiconductor intellectual property. Founded in 1986, Synopsys provides cutting-edge tools and solutions for designing and testing complex integrated circuits and electronic systems. Their software aids in the development of semiconductors, electronic products, and software applications, playing a crucial role in advancing technological innovation across various industries. For more detailed information about their offerings and contributions, you can visit their official website at

  

Technology Explained

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EDA: EDA stands for Electronic Design Automation, and it refers to a category of software tools and solutions used in the design and development of electronic systems and integrated circuits. EDA tools assist engineers and designers in creating complex electronic designs, from individual components to entire systems, by automating various aspects of the design process. These tools encompass a wide range of functionalities, including schematic capture, simulation, layout design, verification, and testing.