NSITEXE has certified the Imperas RISC-V reference models for the NSITEXE Akaria processor

Simulation models are an essential starting point for SoC architecture exploration and early software development. Due to the impact on design decisions and schedule, the quality and dependability of reference models are important components for developers in achieving the overall time-to-market goals.

The NSITEXE Akaria processors cover the high-end performance requirements with RVV1.0 compliant vector processor and multi-threaded scalar processor for a wide range of automotive and industrial applications. The portfolio of Akaria processors also supports next-generation embedded applications with optimised features for Functional Safety (FuSa), low power and performance efficiency.

• The Akaria NS72VA with FuSa supports the RV64GCV instruction set and is an application CPU supporting a variety of operating systems, while maintaining Akaria’s functional safety features. Multi-core processing and the optional RISC-V Vector Extension v 1.0 Vector Processor Unit enable multi-tasking and data-parallel high-performance computing.
• The Akaria NS31A with FuSa is a general-purpose CPU with a single-issue, in-order 4-stage pipeline that uses a 32bit RISC-V ISA (RV32IMAF). It supports ISO 26262 ASIL D functional safety mechanism required for automotive applications, and also supports the privileged mode that is required for AUTOSAR Platforms. NS31A is a highly efficient general-purpose CPU that is targeted for controlling various embedded systems, including automotive applications.

Imperas models

The Imperas simulation technology is complemented with a library of over 350 processor and virtual platforms, plus over 250 peripheral components, all available from www.OVPworld.org for free under an Apache 2.0 open-source license. These library elements can be configured and modified as necessary to model the target platform requirements. The Imperas commercial simulation technology and products are based on the freely available open-standard public OVP application programming interfaces (APIs). Imperas Fixed Platform Kits (FPK) allow for the delivery of pre-configured platform models as a binary installation within friction-free installation without the need for any license management or complex installation set-up.

Virtual Platform use case

The Imperas model of the Akaria NS31A with FuSa was used with the Imperas virtual platform (software simulation) products as a foundation for the development of a RISC-V based security IP block. The resulting Imperas virtual platform and Fixed Platform Kit (FPK) was distributed to NSITEXE partners to support software development activities. In addition, the Imperas model of the NS72 was used with Imperas virtual platform tools for software development, and also for performance estimation. 

“The NSITEXE Akaria processors, developed with the use of Imperas RISC-V verification technology, are targeted to address the high-performance requirements for AI and automotive requirements with the necessary features and quality to achieve the ISO 26262 ASIL D functional safety standard, in addition to optimised and efficient processors for the next generation embedded applications,” said Hideki Sugimoto, CTO of NSITEXE. “As the NSITEXE Akaria processors are adopted across a wide range of next-generation automotive, safety critical, and embedded applications, the partnership with Imperas now also provides the dependable reference models that support developers across the entire design and development phase of an SoC project.”

“RISC-V is enabling a new wave of design innovation, and successful projects depend on quality processor IP and dependable design platforms that offer architecture exploration and early software development,” said Nobuyuki Ueyama, President of eSOL TRINITY. “Having supported the NSITEXE team on the extensive internal RISC-V processor verification, as well as on the virtual platform development task for multiple projects, the support team at eSOL TRINITY is now able to assist developers as they build the next-generation of SoC designs using the Imperas tools and reference models for the NSITEXE Akaria processors.”

“As an open standard ISA, RISC-V is enabling new design freedoms, not just at the processor hardware level but throughout the entire system of hardware and software flexibility,” said Simon Davidmann, CEO at Imperas Software. “The Imperas RISC-V verification technology and solutions assisted the team at NSITEXE during the functional verification phase of development and test, and now we are proud to see the Imperas reference models assist SoC developers and end users with Imperas RISC-V reference models and Fixed Platform Kits (FPK).”

Availability

The Imperas reference models for NSITEXE Akaria NS72A, NS72VA, and NS31A are available now to lead customers and partners. Models for the other members of the NSITEXE Akaria processor portfolio are available on request.

Imperas reference models can be integrated with most industry-standard software IDEs and debuggers, and are available from Imperas and approved Imperas EDA distribution partners.