SiFive Unveils Intelligence X390 NPU and Performance P870 RISC-V Core

SiFive has introduced two new IP blocks, the Intelligence X390 NPU and the Performance P870 RISC-V core, which are designed for SoCs targeting Generative AI and ML applications.

The Performance P870, previously covered by CNX Software, is a high-performance core that supports the RVA23 RISC-V profile specification, Vector 1.0, and Vector Crypto. It features a six-wide, out-of-order 64-bit core and can be configured with up to a 32-core cluster. The P870 offers over 12 SpecINT2k6/GHz and a 50% peak single-thread performance improvement compared to the previous generation SiFive Performance P670. It also includes SiFive features such as 2x 128b VLEN RVV, vector crypto and hypervisor extensions, IOMMU and AIA, non-inclusive L3 cache, and RISC-V WorldGuard security. The P870 is fully compatible with Google’s platform requirements for Android on RISC-V and supports Linux.

The SiFive Intelligence X390 NPU is built on the U7-Series core with a 64-bit RISC-V ISA and an 8-stage dual-issue in-order pipeline. It supports the RISC-V Vector extension and features a 1024-bit VLEN, 512-bit DLEN, single/dual vector ALU, and the Vector Coprocessor Interface eXtension (VCIX) for direct connectivity of external hardware accelerators. The X390 NPU offers a 4x improvement in vector computation compared to the Intelligence X280 NPU, thanks to its single-core configuration, doubled vector length, and dual vector ALUs.

SiFive envisions the P870 and X390 being paired in powerful RISC-V SoCs with up to 32 cores and 8 AI accelerator cores (along with optional custom accelerators) to enable generative AI in data centers. The company promises a full AI solution with optimized libraries, as well as OpenXLA and NN models. Additionally, the Performance P870 is suitable for DPU, storage, networking, 5G applications, and automotive SoCs. In the automotive market, the P870-A RISC-V core can be integrated with the Intelligence X280 AI accelerator and SiFive S7-A cores for ASIL B/D compliance, supporting applications such as standalone ADAS, central compute, and in-vehicle infotainment (IVI).

SiFive also suggests that the P870 and X390 may find their way into consumer applications like edge AI security cameras, mobile devices, wearables, and smart TVs, although no specific details were provided.

For more information, please visit the product page and press release.

Source: CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.