QuickLogic Collaborates with University of Saskatchewan on Advanced RISC-V Microcontroller Development

QuickLogic Partners with University of Saskatchewan for Advanced RISC-V Microcontroller Development

In a significant development for the embedded FPGA industry, QuickLogic Corporation collaborates with the University of Saskatchewan's Semiconductor Technology and Rad-Effects Research Lab (STARR-Lab) to enhance the next generation of the StarRISC Rad-Tolerant RISC-V Microcontroller. This partnership is supported in part by Globalfoundries' University Research Program and centers around the integration of QuickLogic’s cutting-edge embedded FPGA (eFPGA) technology into the microcontroller. By utilizing Globalfoundries' 12nm FinFET technology node, the collaboration aims to push the boundaries of radiation-tolerant devices, which are essential for space and high-reliability applications.

The incorporation of eFPGA technology into the StarRISC microcontroller will empower researchers at STARR-Lab to design custom logic blocks, accelerators, and mission-specific algorithms. This flexibility is crucial for developing devices capable of enduring the harsh conditions of space, where exposure to high-energy particles can pose significant challenges. Dr. Li Chen, a professor and supervisor at STARR-Lab, expresses his excitement about the project, noting that the adaptability offered by eFPGA technology will facilitate the exploration of innovative functionalities and enhance the microcontroller's capabilities.

QuickLogic's senior director of product marketing, Mao Wang, emphasizes the company's commitment to supporting the space community through this collaboration. He commends STARR-Lab’s outstanding efforts in creating a rad-tolerant RISC-V microcontroller, highlighting its resilience to radiation. QuickLogic's eFPGA Hard IP can be delivered on any new process node within four to six months, with specific variants available in a matter of weeks through their proprietary Australis IP Generator. This rapid deployment capability, coupled with the support of two FPGA tool suites—Aurora and Aurora Pro—positions QuickLogic as a key player in the advancement of space-ready technologies.

In addition to the partnership with STARR-Lab, QuickLogic continues to innovate within the eFPGA space, focusing on developing solutions that address the growing demand for customizable and resilient computing in extreme environments. The combination of QuickLogic’s advanced technology and the research expertise at the University of Saskatchewan holds the potential to revolutionize the design of microcontrollers for various applications in the aerospace sector and beyond. For more information about QuickLogic's offerings and developments, interested parties are encouraged to visit their website at www.quicklogic.com.