Tailored RISC-V Cores Enhance GPS Accuracy

MerlinTPS has announced a strategic collaboration with Bluespec to utilize a RISC-V processor core for satellite navigation augmentation and backup technology. This partnership signifies the beginning of a new phase for MerlinTPS' next-generation platform, which focuses on providing advanced positioning, navigation, timing (PNT), and geospatial radio frequency data solutions. The timing of this collaboration is crucial, especially in light of recent GPS issues faced by tractors from John Deere during a solar storm.

The RISC-V platform offered by Bluespec is instrumental in enhancing PNT positioning and timing security capabilities. By leveraging existing ground signals, the platform aims to address challenges such as jamming and spoofing effectively. MerlinTPS plans to develop innovative tools that will not only bolster cybersecurity and physical security technologies but also introduce custom hardware solutions to meet evolving industry demands.

Bluespec's expertise in designing, implementing, and verifying RISC-V processors and workload accelerators will empower MerlinTPS to create custom RISC-V processors tailored to their specific requirements. These RISC-V cores are designed for seamless transition from initial prototypes on field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to mass-produced application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) solutions.

"Bluespec has a proven track record of enabling companies to drive innovation through RISC-V technology, and we are excited to extend this capability to MerlinTPS," stated Charlie Hauck, CEO of Bluespec. "By leveraging our verification and validation-centric RISC-V solutions, MerlinTPS can rapidly develop customized solutions, ensuring the delivery of highly differentiated products with minimal project risks and accelerated timelines."

Christian Kotscher, CEO of MerlinTPS, expressed his appreciation for Bluespec's support, emphasizing the invaluable guidance and development expertise provided by the team. "Bluespec's profound understanding of software and hardware development was a key factor in our decision to collaborate on the next phase of our technology evolution," Kotscher remarked. As the demand for supplementary GPS technologies continues to grow, the collaboration between MerlinTPS and Bluespec is poised to expedite the realization of the platform's diverse capabilities.