Akeana RISC-V Challenges ARM IP Range

A US startup has recently emerged from stealth mode, introducing a groundbreaking database capable of generating RISC-V CPU cores spanning from microcontrollers to data center applications. Akeana, the innovative company behind this technology, is poised to challenge ARM directly by offering a range of RISC-V cores, memory management units, interrupt controllers, and interconnects all derived from a single System Verilog database. This includes matrix engines and vector engines designed for AI accelerators, setting Akeana apart in the industry.

According to Rabin Sugumar, the CEO of Akeana, the company's achievement is unparalleled. He stated, "We are coming out of stealth with what we think is the only RISC-V processor with the range of Neoverse cores." Akeana has secured $100 million in funding from prominent chip investors Mayfield and Kleiner Perkins over the past three years and currently employs 150 staff members split evenly between the US and Asia.

Sugumar emphasized Akeana's unique approach as a pure IP company, highlighting the efficiency of their development process. Unlike competitors such as ARM or MIPS, Akeana's cores are all derived from a highly configurable database, enabling rapid bug fixes and enhancements across the entire core range. This streamlined methodology allows Akeana to maintain low operating expenses while delivering a diverse set of IP innovations.

The company has introduced three distinct series of RISC-V cores, each tailored for specific applications and performance requirements. The 100 Series offers highly configurable 32-bit processors suitable for a wide range of devices, from embedded microcontrollers to personal computing systems. In contrast, the 1000 Series features 64-bit cores with advanced capabilities such as multi-threading, vector extensions, and optional AI computation extensions.

For high-performance applications in laptops, data centers, and cloud infrastructure, Akeana offers the 5000 Series, boasting 64-bit out-of-order processor cores with powerful vector engines. These cores are designed to compete with ARM's X-series processors, providing exceptional single-thread performance. Akeana's commitment to customization allows for quick modifications to existing cores, ensuring flexibility and scalability for diverse customer needs.