Brit chipmaker Pragmatic Semiconductor has advanced a 32-bit microprocessor in “versatile generation this is totally practical whilst versatile.” The Flex-RV processor does now not imply the good fortune of benchmarks, however the introduction of a brand new method of bending to conform to asymmetric environments. That stated, it additionally contains gadget studying algorithms and RISC-V running directions, in order that it might probably carry out easy AI duties. Ditching conventional silicon, a well-liked space for processors and computing units, this RISC-V-based microprocessor makes use of indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) transistors fixed on polyimide.
Bendability trying out of Flex-RV on FlexPCB in check packages – symbol from the Nature IGZO paper is extensively to be had for visible units and pictures. As an alternative, the Flex-RV processor is a chip that works wrapped round a pencil, whilst freely clocking in at 60 kHz. However who cares about clock pace when the function is affordable and throwaway generation? The Flex-RV sports activities most effective 12,600 sound gates, however it is sufficient to chronic a brand new technology of embedded instrument – such things as good bands, versatile electronics, and interactive CDs. The RV32E Flex-RV chip is versatile, versatile, and reasonably priced. The main use is for on a regular basis gear that silicone cannot or may not achieve. The Pragmatic Concept from Cambridge is modest: Put computer systems the place silicon does not paintings. The Brit corporate in the back of the generation opened its Pragmatic Park facility in Durham, northeast England, previous this yr, claiming it was once the United Kingdom’s first facility to fabricate 300mm semiconductor wafers. The Cambridge boffins printed a paper at the generation in the back of the Flex-RV in Nature previous this week. This is not near to making chips for a laugh; an actual shooter with a low manufacturing value. IGZO production does now not require the cleanroom precision that silicon calls for, reducing out all of the primary production overhead. Because it does now not smash below drive, the Flex-RV does now not require pricey packaging of silicon chips. Being affordable, tough, and versatile makes it very best for fast-moving business packages, waste-to-energy generation, and any place else you would not suppose to place a CPU. Era is breaking the foundations, in truth, and it is not near to expanding workout. It is about making computer systems reasonably priced and versatile. Common readers will know that we’ve got prior to now mentioned boffins’ makes an attempt to make flexible chips with electronics – for instance, right here, right here, and right here. This sort of silicon-free generation represents a big shift from the power-hungry paradigms we see in silicon to a miles better, albeit slower, uncooked MHz (kHz in truth) scale. It is also fascinating to look extra RISC-V appropriate silicon flying round, filling in nooks and crannies the place standard silicon may not cross. Do not be expecting to run Crysis for your subsequent good band or scientific tool, however we might simply be heading right into a long run the place each and every high-end, manufactured, and packaged tool has a mind powered by way of a Flex-RV chip/IC or identical non-silicon tool. ®
