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BA22 Cache-Enabled Embedded Processor

The BA22-CE is a 32-bit 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). This processor core is extremely competitive in terms of high performance and low power consumption, and has best-in-class code density.

The core has Instruction and Data Caches, and an AMBA® AHB™, AXI4™, or Wishbone system bus interface. It is also equipped with dedicated Quick Memory (QMEM) interfaces to tightly-coupled memories, which offer fast and deterministic access to code and data, and can be used for inter-core communication in a multi-core architecture. Its base version includes 16 to 32 general-purpose registers (GPRs), a tick-timer (TTimer), a programmable interrupt controller (PIC), an advanced power management unit (PMU), and optionally a debug unit (DBGU). The core’s processing capabilities can be enhanced further with the optional hardware Multiply-Accumulate (MAC), IEEE 754 compliant floating-point, and DSP instructions acceleration units. Its interrupt response time can also be optimized with the addition of a Vectored Interrupt controller (VIC).

The BA22-CE supports the variable instruction length BA2 instruction set, benefits from its extreme code density, and is binary compatible with other members of the BA2x processor family. Programming is facilitated with the included C/C++ tool chain, Eclipse IDE, architectural simulator, and ported C libraries. Advanced debugging capabilities and off-the-shelf development boards can further ease software development.

At its minimum configuration, the BA22-CE core synthesizes to approximately 30k eq. gates (22,000 sq. um in a 28nm technology, excluding the SRAMs required for the caches). The processor core can be clocked at over 800MHz in 28nm and 16nm processes, and its performance is rated at 2.93 Coremarks/MHz.

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 the processor with memory controllers, image compression, or other CAST IP cores.

Part of the royalty-free BA2x family, the BA22-CE processor core has been designed for easy reuse and integration, has been rigorously verified, and is production proven.