The Real Challenge for RISC-V Vector Processors - John Min, Andes Technology

The Real Challenge for RISC-V Vector Processors - John Min, Andes Technology

The RISC-V Vector Processing Unit supporting RVV extension is a powerful computational unit delivering unparalleled and scalable compute capability. However, there is a key functionality that must be enabled to ensure VPU can deliver the performance needed. The real challenge is the data movement. Many traditional solutions exist to solve data movement problem. These include extensive prefetching, large dedicated memories and caches. These improvements come at the cost of power and size. Andes Technology’s innovative Streaming Port implemented with Andes Custom Extension solves the data movement problem with minimal power and gate overhead. In addition, ACE can be used for pre- and post- processing data – like format conversion – to further increase VPU performance as well as controlling and managing external accelerators. RISC-V Vector Processing Units are great, but innovative solutions like Andes’ Streaming port make them better.

For more info about RISC-V, a free and open ISA enabling a new era of processor innovation through open standard collaboration, see: https://riscv.org/