Frontgrade Gaisler Developing RISC-V Processor for Space

As an open instruction set architecture (ISA), the RISC-V architecture offers inherent configurability and efficiency, making it an ideal foundation for advancing innovation in critical sectors of the space computing landscape.

According to Roland Weigand, Technical Officer at ESA, "Building on over 25 years of successfully using the SPARC open ISA in space, this effort represents a significant step forward in transitioning to the emerging RISC-V architecture." Weigand further emphasizes that RISC-V has become the preferred architecture for a wide range of space products, spanning from microcontrollers to advanced SoC-FPGAs and high-performance microprocessors tailored for on-board data processing.

Frontgrade Gaisler's current project focuses on ensuring deterministic operation and minimal latency for the new processor IP. This approach aims to enable the processor to execute tasks predictably, reliably, and swiftly respond to input stimuli. By incorporating these enhancements, the processor can seamlessly integrate into radiation-hardened microcontrollers and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) that are crucial for supporting space missions. This initiative not only expands the RISC-V ecosystem but also complements the NOEL-V RISC-V processor, which shares a similar focus on space applications with an emphasis on high-performance capabilities.

Sandi Habinc, General Manager at Frontgrade Gaisler, highlights the company's extensive experience in supplying the space industry with products that adhere to open standards. Habinc expresses, "Frontgrade Gaisler is leveraging its decades of expertise to introduce RISC-V advancements to the space industry. Our dedicated team is committed to delivering tangible benefits that drive progress within the space community and facilitate the realization of new types of space missions."

For more information on the latest developments in space computing and RISC-V architecture, visit www.esa.int and www.frontgrade.com.