The embedded industry is seeing increasing demand for open source RISC-V based processor architectures, but there are still limited options when it comes to commercially available silicon or hardware. To fill this gap and help enable innovation, Microchip Technology has launched the PolarFire SoC Discovery Kit . By offering a user-friendly, feature-rich development kit for embedded processing and computing acceleration, Microchip is making emerging technology more accessible to engineers of all skill levels. The open source development kit features a quad-core RISC-V application-class processor that supports Linux and real-time applications, a rich set of peripherals, and 95K of low-power, high-performance FPGA logic elements. This complete yet low-cost kit enables rapid testing of application concepts, firmware application development, and user code programming and debugging.
In addition to traditional sales channels, PolarFire SoC Discovery Kits are being made available through a pilot project as part of the Microchip Academic Program in the second half of 2024. By offering the Discovery Kit at a reduced price to universities, Microchip is ensuring that the future generation of engineers has direct access to cutting-edge technology. This approach not only enhances students' practical learning experience but also aligns academic studies with the latest industry trends. Microchip's academic program provides resources for educators, researchers and students around the world and helps universities incorporate advanced technology into their curricula.
The Discovery Kit is built around the PolarFire MPFS095T SoC FPGA that features an embedded microprocessor subsystem consisting of a 64-bit quad-core CPU cluster based on the RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture (ISA). A large L2 memory subsystem can be configured for performance or deterministic operation and supports an asymmetric multiprocessing (AMP) mode. The board includes support for Microchip's Mi-V ecosystem , a mikroBUS expansion header for Click boards, and a 40-pin Raspberry Pi connector, as well as a MIPI video connector. Expansion cards can be controlled using protocols such as I 2 C and SPI. An embedded FP5 programmer is included for FPGA fabric programming and debugging and firmware application development. Visit the PolarFire FPGA SoC webpage for additional details.
The PolarFire SoC Discovery Kit is available starting at $132 to the general public and just $99 through the Microchip Academic Program.
