These single channel ASICs can be arrayed together to form scalable processing solutions and additional features can be added in a modular fashion. According to Sondrel, applications include smart metering, smart homes, smart factories, voice-controlled devices and infotainment.
Each ASIC is based on a CPU cluster for general purpose tasks and an AI cluster for neural network tasks with supporting memory and interfaces. The CPU cluster of Arm CPU cores, nominally 4, provide a powerful processing capability by using either an Arm A53 or A55 with 9 - 10 GMIPS at 1 GHz nominal.
The Neural Net cluster is based on either Arm Ethos cores or DSP-AI cores providing nominally 4 TOPS performance. Custom AI cores can be integrated as an alternate if required.
The chip design has a composable Network on Chip system fabric, multi-path, multi-width (64b to 512b) data path at a nominal 800MHz. There is performance optimisation of the data flow for application, QoS arbitration and scheduling support.
The System Management Subsystem (SMS) manages the configuration, start-up (Boot) and operation modes of the SoC along with active power management for low or battery powered applications.
According to Sondrel, the integral security subsystem uses either an Arm A53 or M33, as the application demands, to provide activity/intrusion monitoring, software signing and crypto, and authentication to resist hacking, which is further enhanced by watchman behaviour tracking and deviation detection.
All the SFA 200 design requires from the customer is their own IP or application-specific, off-the-shelf IP to create the final ASIC. The process is intended to provide a low risk, faster time to market that can also reduce design costs by up to 30%.
To further reduce risk and time to market, Sondrel is also offering a full turnkey service that turns designs into fully tested, shipping silicon.
