Aries Launches RISC-V based PolarFire SoC module

Aries Embedded has launched a Linux-powered, FPGA-enabled RISC-V SoC from Microchip’s Micro semi unit, called the M100PFS. It is one of the first compute modules equipped with the PolarFire SoC. The M100PFS features an identical 74 x 42mm footprint as Aries’ similar M100PF module, which is equipped with the PolarFire FPGA without the Linux-ready RISC-V cores. The M100PFS enables applications like wireline access networks, cellular infrastructure, defense, commercial aviation, industrial automation, and IoT.

The new M100PFS offers support for more entry-level FPGA models, two more versions of the M100PFS module with different FPGA capabilities are available for order with shipments due in Q3 2020. The mid-range 93KLE and 161KLE FPGAs are available only on request. The largest 460K LE capability will be available in a later model. There are two major M100PFS SKUs, namely the M100PFS-025ADA0 — MPFS025T FPGA with 23K LE, 68 math blocks, 4x SERDES, 1GB LPDDR4 RAM for HMS (RISC-V/Linux), 4GB eMMC, and the M100PFS-250AECC — MPFS250T FPGA with 254K LE, 784 blocks, 16x SERDES; 4GB LPDDR4 each for HMS and FPGA; 8GB eMMC. All the models that are available now enable 12.5Gbps SERDES and 2x PCIe root port/endpoints. Available also are 2x 64-bit AXI4 processor-to-fabric interfaces,  3x 64-bit AXI4 fabric-to-processor interfaces, and a 32-bit APB processor-to-fabric link.

The M100PFS incorporates a 32 MBit SPI NOR flash and also an “execute in place” Quad SPI flash controller. It offers support for up to 64GB eMMC by order. Its 3.3V, 0 to 70°C tolerant module features dual 180-pin Samtec board-to-board connectors. I/O features includes 2x GbE, 2x CAN 2.0 A and B, 2x SPI, 2x I2C, 5x multi-mode UARTs, and single USB 2.0 OTG and MMC 5.1 SD/SDIO connections. Additionally, the module enables GPIO, an RTC, a clock distribution, and different timers, inclusive of 5x watchdogs. The announcement does not include a carrier board, but the FPGA-only M100PF module features an optional M100PFEVP baseboard. The carrier features a microSD slot plus 2x GbE ports, a micro-USB port, 4x DB9 ports, and 2x UART and 2x CAN ports. The M100PFEVP also features a TFT, HSMC, and 3x PMOD connectors. The M100PFS module will be available along with the Linux- and FPGA PolarFire SoC development tools.

The PolarFire SoC integrates the previously launched PolarFire FPGA with 4x RISC-V U54-MC CPU cores supplied by SiFive. The PolarFire SoC utilizes a modified version of SiFive’s 28nm fabricated 960MHz to 1.5GHz U54-MC quad-core complex, that also powers SiFive’s Freedom U540 SoCs on its HiFive Unleashed development board. The official PolarFire SoC dev kit integrates the SBC with Microchip’s previously released PolarFire FPGA, equipped HiFive Unleashed Expansion board.

The M100PFS is available now for order, with an undisclosed price. Shipping is expected to begin in Q3 2020. For early access and customization services, you have to make a special request. More information can be found in the Aries Embedded announcement and product page.

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