Automotive processor ‘is a first’, claims developer

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The FPCU is a semiconductor architecture which integrates the hardware flexibility of a real time advanced motor event controller (AMEC) with the software flexibility of a standard processor.

AMEC integrates parallel data paths between acquisition and actuation peripherals and the FLU – an automotive specific and robust embedded programmable logic with DSP resources. OLEA T222 also features the Safety Integrated Level Agent (SILant), an ASIL-D functional safety integrated architecture based on an ARM Cortex-R5F core. While OLEA T222 features one R5F core, other members of the OLEA range feature two or three R5F cores, allowing for lockstep operation.

AMEC features 4560 programmable logic elements, along with 20 24bit signal processing units. Running at 200MHz, the unit has 8kbyte of dual ported RAM and parallel access for acquisition and control.

The FPCU is said to remove software bottlenecks by enabling software and hardware execution of high frequency and precise PWM control algorithms while limiting heat dissipation. Alongside a 40x acceleration of data processing, hard real time control loops can run up to 20 times faster, while power consumption can be reduced by a factor of up to 180.

Silicon Mobility expects the device to find application in such areas as electric motor and inverter control, high frequency data converter control and battery management systems.

“Efficiency of electric motors, power converters and battery chargers are key factors for hybrid and electric vehicle control systems,” said Vincent Cruvellier, vice president of operation at Silicon Mobility.

The FPCU has been manufactured on Globalfoundries’ 55nm Low Power Extended (55LPx) platform, which is automotive qualified.

“The 55LPx platform, combined with SST’s SuperFlash memory technology, allowed us to integrate multiple functions into a single chip,” Cruvellier added.