Tomorrow at EdgeTech+ 2024, we will be demonstrating our unique RISC-V chip and VGA controller digitally designed by Chisel.
1. JASA Corner at EdgeTech+ 2024, Yokohama Pacifico, November 20-22, 2024
We will exhibit the Marmot Demo and Chisel Demo at the JASA Corner in the EdgeTech+ 2024 venue, which will be held at Yokohama Pacifico on November 20-22, 2024.
The JASA Corner at EdgeTech+ 2024 is located in the exhibition hall of Pacifico Yokohama. The JASA Pavilion is located at booth number CR-11, and introduces JASA’s activities and exhibits member companies. For detailed layout within the Themes venue, please check the official website or venue guide map.
2. “Marmot (RISC-V chip) demo”
We designed a demo using the Marmot chip as an application example of an embedded system. Real-time temperature measurement by a sensor is displayed on a VGA display. We use a proprietary RISC-V chip (commonly known as Marmot, 130nm Skywater process, 25MHz clock operation) designed and prototyped by SH Consulting Co., Ltd. using Google/eFabless free shuttle. The current temperature data obtained from the temperature sensor is displayed on the display with an icon as “current temperature”. The display used is connected to the Marmot board and can display numerical values in real time. We demonstrated the underlying technology of an application that processes real-world data in hardware and displays it instantly.
3. Chisel (VGA controller) demo
We used Chisel to create a digital design, and then designed a VGA controller using the VGA and FPGA boards we created, and then designed a display to create a graphical demo. A simple animation of a UFO-like object moving on the screen is displayed. A UFO-like object is displayed, and a colorful pattern is generated in the background.
Functions
(1) Background switching: You can switch backgrounds by pressing a button.
(2) Dynamic objects: The objects are programmed to move smoothly on the screen.
The display and movement of the objects are implemented on the FPGA using Chisel. The animation runs.
4. Objectives and highlights of the demo exhibition
When you visit, please pay attention to the movement of the sensor data processing and the FPGA graphics processing.
Through the above demos, we aim to make the application of embedded system technology more familiar to you.
(1) Show the possibilities of RISC-V-based design and FPGA design using Chisel.
(2) Introducing the flexibility of digital circuit design and examples of graphic processing applications.
The purpose of this demo is to convey to participants the possibilities of edge computing, embedded systems, and applications that utilize FPGAs.
Marmot Demo: Introduces the basics of practical embedded system design.
Chisel Demo: Provides examples that allow participants to experience the flexibility of hardware design and the implementation of graphic processing.
Requests regarding installation and demonstration.
5. Introduction of our proprietary RISC-V chip
eFablessから帰ってきたMarmot チップ
MARMOT チッププロット図
5.1. Overview of Marmot RISC-V chip
Name: Marmot RISC-V
Prototype: Manufactured using eFabless platform.
Target process: MPW-6 (Multi-Project Wafer 6th).
Design concept:
Based on RISC-V architecture, a lightweight SoC (System on Chip) suitable for embedded system applications was prototyped.
5.2. Features of Marmot chip
RISC-V architecture:
Uses fully open source RISC-V ISA (Instruction Set Architecture).
Flexible customization is possible.
Design tools:
Uses open source EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tools from eFabless platform.
Uses Chisel and Verilog design to achieve efficient prototyping.
Purpose:
Optimized as a low-power processor for edge devices and IoT applications.
Manufacturing technology:
Uses SkyWater 130nm process.
Utilizes open source PDK (Process Design Kit).
Main functions:
Simple sensor interface.
Display (7-segment or TFT).
Basic peripherals such as GPIO (general purpose input/output) and UART.
5.3. About the Prototype Process and MPW-6
eFabless and the MPW Program:
eFabless’s MPW (Multi-Project Wafer) program is a mechanism to reduce manufacturing costs by having multiple designers share prototypes on a single wafer.
MPW-6 manufactures open source chips designed using the SkyWater 130nm process.
Project flow:
Submission of design data → Verification with EDA tools → Manufacturing at the foundry.
The Marmot chip was manufactured as one of several projects in MPW-6.
Duration:
Design period: Approximately 3-4 months.
Manufacturing to prototype completion: An additional 3-6 months.
5.4. Examples of applications of the Marmot chip
Embedded systems:
Can be used for low-power devices equipped with temperature sensors and small displays.
Educational uses:
Used as teaching materials for learning chip design using open source designs.
Suitable for hands-on use at universities and research institutes.
IoT edge devices:
Utilizing its lightweight and simple design, it can be used as a node responsible for data processing within an IoT network.
5.5. Significance of Marmot RISC-V
Promoting the spread of open source technology:
Open chip design is now possible, making it easier for startups and individual designers to enter semiconductor development.
Contributing to the further development of the RISC-V ecosystem.
Cost-effective chip manufacturing:
The eFabless platform significantly reduces prototyping costs.
Academic institutions and small businesses can now manufacture physical chips.
Diversification of edge devices:
In the IoT era, it is important to be able to rapidly prototype processors for specific applications.
Marmot is one design that demonstrates this possibility.
5.6. Marmot demo schedule (example)
Venue: EdgeTech+ 2024 (Yokohama Pacifico)
Demo content:
Displays data from a temperature sensor in real time.
VGA output demo (UFO display) designed with Chisel.
Target audience: Engineers, students, and business people interested in RISC-V and FPGA technology.
5.7. Conclusion
The Marmot RISC-V chip prototype shows the potential for new semiconductor development using open source technology. This project is expected to have a wide range of applications from education and research to practical use, and is a good example of the innovation brought about by RISC-V and the eFabless platform.
