Red Semi completes FPGA implementation of its processor core with EU funding

Author: EIS Release Date: Nov 14, 2022

Red Semiconductor is showing the future potential of accessible super-high performance, low-power microprocessors with an EU-funded R&D project.

 

The company has completed a secure router implementation based on its ‘Vector+1’ ISA accelerator, and ‘Vantage’ optimised microprocessor core using fully-Libre VLSI and FPGA Toolchains, demonstrating the path to full Digital Sovereignty with resources readily accessible without restriction to UK and EU citizens and businesses.

 

RED has developed an FPGA implementation of its Vantage has FPGA implementation of its -accelerated microprocessor architecture to complete a project funded by NGI Pointer to demonstrate potential solutions for secure next-generation internet.

 

Developed in collaboration with Libre-SOC, the proof-of-concept Secure Router chip design demonstrates the end-to-end use of open-source/libre platforms. Using the company’s Vector+1 vectorisation precursor and POWER ISA, curated by the OpenPOWER Foundation the proof-of-concept in FPGA was achieved with the Vantage Processor Core presenting a Web Interface over Gigabit Ethernet running under the Zephyr security-oriented Real-Time OS.

 

The Linux platform CentOS was ported to the POWER ISA SFFS (Scalar Fixed-point + Floating-point Subset) Compliancy Subset by project contributors Vantosh, and LIP6 Lab of Sorbonne University made additional improvements to libre ASIC design toolchain Coriolis2, for performing a GDS-II Layout and Static Timing Analysis of an on-chip PLL and an Ethernet PHY.

 

“This important collaboration funded from specialist grants within the EU shows that a small agile start-up can attain digital independence, and build advanced microprocessor solutions that overcome the politics and legacy insecurities that are causing deep concern in the chip industry today,” says Red Semi CEO James Lewis (pictured), “it marks a key step in our development of commercially available vector-optimised microprocessor chips. At RED Semiconductor we are meshing the capability afforded by open-source programmes with the intrinsic security of auditable microprocessor hardware running comprehensive encryption algorithms in real-time.”

 

RED Semi aims to develop and deliver a new class of microprocessor chip set optimised for vector instructions that enable complex computational routines to be performed in fewer clock cycles, with smaller binaries, and consuming less power than any existing microprocessor of comparable capability. The company is based in the United Kingdom and was formed in 2021.