Processor enables IoT sensor hub IC
After completing a competitive benchmark, MegaChips has selected Cadence’s Tensilica Xtensa processor for use within its frizz always-on sensor hub IC, designed for smartphones and IoT wearable devices.
The processor, which can perform both control and digital signal processing, has been customised by MegaChips for maximum throughput with three-way VLIW processing, floating point and four-way SIMD processing. The benchmark showed that the Xtensa processor offered over 90% lower power consumption when used for pedestrian dead reckoning algorithms, which require Kalman filters.
“We were able to take advantage of the Xtensa processor customisation capabilities in this design in a short amount of time, thanks to the Tensilica automated design tools,” said Kenji Nakamura, Deputy General Manager, AS Business Headquarters, MegaChips. “No other customisable processor allows designers to integrate a four-way SIMD and VLIW for maximum throughput with 32-bit RISC control processing, which is required for best power/performance in many IoT applications. These extra capabilities can give frizz a significant advantage in the market and allow frizz to achieve the right low-power profile for wearables.”