32-bit Low-Power Deeply Embedded Processor

Implements a 32-bit low-power processor that delivers better performance than most processors of its size.  Designed for deeply-embedded systems or as an auxiliary processor in larger systems, it is an especially effective choice for wireless communication, analog peripherals management, or other mixed-signal functions in energy-and cost-sensitive applications. 

This royalty-free 32-bit processor core is binary-compatible with other members of the silicon-proven BA2x processor family. Its BA2 instruction set is relatively simple and extremely compact, offering system area and energy savings benefits. Programing is facilitated with the included C/C++ tool chain, Eclipse IDE, architectural simulator, and ported C libraries, RTOSs, and OSs.


Processor Description

The two-stage pipelined architecture minimizes standby/idle power and run-time energy consumption. The small silicon footprint of the CPU, and the smaller code-memory requirement (resulting from extreme code density of the BA2 instruction set), are critical for minimizing leakage currents during idle or standby modes and reducing dynamic power consumption. Furthermore, the processor allows for sophisticated power management, enabling dynamic clock-gating or power-shut-off of unused units, and software or hardware controller dynamic frequency scaling of the bus and the CPU.

Delivering more processing power per MHz than most processors in its class, the BA21 can be configured to operate at low frequencies to further save power, or to meet the most demanding embedded processing requirements, or any optimum combination of both. Its processing capabilities can be enhanced further with a hardware multiplier/divider unit and an IEEE 754 compliant floating-point unit. Timely responses to interrupts are facilitated by a vectored interrupt controller, and an optional memory protection unit can be used to protect application code and/or data from corruption. The core supports reach debug capabilities including trace.

The system interface uses two AMBA® AXI4 buses, one for data and one for instructions, both of configurable data width. Two tightly-coupled quick memory (QMEM) buses allow fast access for time-critical code and data, and can be used for inter-core communication in a multi-core architecture.

Additional microcontroller peripherals may be ordered for pre-integration and delivery with the core, individually or in a complete platform. IP Integration Services are also available to help integrate any BA2x processor configuration with memory controllers, image compression, or other CAST IP cores.


Applications

The royalty-free, energy-efficient BA21 processor can be employed as a replacement for existing 8-bit and 16-bit processor market, or used as secondary, housekeeping or peripheral controller processor in complex SoC designs, and it suitable for a wide-range of deeply embedded applications such as: 

      •   Mixed signal embedded processing
      •   Wireless communications ICs (e.g. Bluetooth, Zigbee, GPS)
      •   Industrial Microcontrollers
      •   Wireless, battery-powered, or ultra-low-cost devices.


The BA2 Instruction Set

The BA2 instruction set provides extreme code density without compromises on performance, ease of use, or scalability. It features:

      •   A linear, 32-bit address space
      •   Variable length instructions: 16, 24, 32, or 48 bits
      •   Simple memory addressing modes
      •   A configurable number of 12 to 32 general purpose registers
      •   Efficient flow-control, arithmetic, and load/store instructions
      •   Floating point and DSP extensions


Customizable Platforms

The BA21 processor can be delivered pre-integrated with typical microcontroller peripherals such us UARTs, timers and serial communication cores, or with memory controllers and interconnect IP cores. Contact CAST Sales for details.

 
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 Verilog source code, and includes everything required for successful implementation. The core is delivered with software development tools Windows and Linux, with an Eclipse IDE interface.