In this blog post, we will detail the technical specifications and advantages of the PolarFire® System on Chip (SoC) Discovery Toolkit.
In the rapidly evolving field of embedded systems, the combination of open-source RISC-V architecture and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) represents a significant leap in flexibility, power efficiency, and performance optimization. Microchip has been at the forefront of technological innovation, leading the way with the PolarFire® System on Chip (SoC) Discovery Toolkit. This development platform is designed to enable engineers, whether novices or seasoned professionals, to easily leverage cutting-edge RISC-V and FPGA technologies. Let’s delve into the technical details that make this toolkit a key instrument for future embedded engineering.
Core Architecture
The core of this Discovery Toolkit is the PolarFire MPFS095T SoC FPGA, which features a multicore processor based on the open-source RISC-V instruction set architecture (ISA). This quad-core 64-bit CPU cluster is designed for robust applications requiring high levels of computational power and efficiency. The SoC supports Linux® and real-time operating systems, providing a universal platform for developing complex embedded systems.
FPGA Logic Elements
A notable feature of the PolarFire SoC is its 95,000 low-power, high-performance FPGA logic elements (LE). Designers can utilize these LEs to implement custom digital logic, ranging from simple glue logic functions to complex system-level integrations, including custom peripherals or parallel processing algorithms. This FPGA capability is crucial for applications requiring optimized hardware accelerators or custom interfaces.
Memory and Processing Power
The embedded microprocessor subsystem is equipped with a large L2 memory subsystem, configurable to maximize performance or achieve deterministic operation, supporting asymmetric multiprocessing (AMP) mode. Thanks to this flexibility, designers can strike a perfect balance between high-speed data processing demands and the essential deterministic behavior required in real-time applications. Additionally, a microSD™ card slot is provided for booting Linux.
Connectivity and Expansion
To ensure broad applicability across various embedded system projects, this exploration toolkit offers a comprehensive set of peripherals and connectivity options:
• mikroBUS™ expansion socket: Easily integrates with Click boards™, providing a wide array of sensors, transceivers, and interface boards for rapid prototyping.
• 40-pin Raspberry Pi® connector: Ensures compatibility with various HATs, enabling extensive I/O expansion.
• MIPI® Rx video connector: Supports video applications, allowing direct connection of cameras and displays for multimedia projects.
• Communication interfaces: A Gigabit Ethernet connector and three USB Type C to UART connectors.
Development and Debugging Tools
This exploration toolkit integrates an embedded FP5 programmer for FPGA structure programming and debugging, simplifying the firmware development process. Additionally, a DSP FIR filter reference design is provided for immediate testing. When using Microchip’s Libero® SoC design suite software for system design, designers can fully leverage a free silver-level license. The Libero SoC installer includes the necessary device programmer drivers.
Availability and Pricing
The PolarFire SoC exploration toolkit is positioned as a cost-effective solution broadly applicable to various embedded system projects. This exploration toolkit is affordably priced, benefiting every designer, with the public version starting at $132, and participants in the Microchip University program receiving a discounted price of $99.
Microchip is committed to contributing to innovation, quality, and education in the embedded systems field, and the launch of this PolarFire SoC Discovery Toolkit fulfills our commitment. By combining the open-source flexibility of RISC-V with the powerful, customizable features of FPGA technology, this development platform opens new avenues for designers to explore, innovate, and realize the vision for next-generation embedded applications. As the demand for smarter, more efficient, and multifunctional embedded systems continues to grow, tools like the PolarFire SoC Discovery Toolkit will empower engineers to tackle various challenges with confidence.
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