32-bit Application Processor

Implements a 32-bit processor for demanding systems running applications on general-purpose operating systems such as Linux and Android. The high-performance BA25™ processor runs at high clock frequencies yet has a smaller silicon footprint than most competing application processors (e.g., over 800MHz and from 150Kgates in TSMC65nmLP, 12-track library).

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 seven-stage pipelined architecture runs at high frequencies and further enhances performance by supporting out-of-order execution and branch prediction. An optional IEEE 754 compliant floating-point unit accelerates floating point computation.

The BA25 processor uses two-level data and instruction caches—with L0 running at the CPU's clock frequency and L1 running at half that—and a two-level memory management unit. The size and associativity of the caches and MMU are configurable at synthesis time. 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. The energy efficiency BA25 enables power management with clock gating and power shut-off of unused units, and through software and hardware control over the clock frequency of the CPU and buses. Wake-up from sleep mode is triggered by an interrupt issued by the embedded tick-timer or by an external source. Rapid interrupt response is facilitated by the embedded programmable vectored interrupt controller.

Applications

The royalty-free, high-performance BA25 processor core is suitable as the main system processor in a multitasking environment and is a competitive choice for designs running on full operating systems such as Linux or Android. Target product types include:

      •   Set-top boxes and media players,
      •   Image and video processing systems, and
      •   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 BA25 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.


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 BA25-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.


Related Products

The BA2™ Processor Family includes a set of royalty-free, pre-configured products intended for different applications:

      •   BA22-DE 32-bit Deeply Embedded Processor, for deeply embedded applications that use on-chip instruction 
          and data memories.
      •   BA22-EM Embedded 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).
      •   BA22-AP Application Processor, for demanding embedded applications that may need to run an RTOS or OS.