Summary of ARIES LAUNCHES RISC-V BASED POLARFIRE SOC MODULE
Aries Embedded introduced the M100PFS, a Linux-enabled RISC-V compute module based on Microchip's PolarFire SoC. Compatible with existing M100PF footprints, it targets sectors like defense, industrial automation, and IoT. The module offers multiple SKUs with varying FPGA logic capacities, up to 64GB eMMC support, and robust connectivity including GbE, CAN, and PCIe. It features dual Samtec connectors, extensive I/O options, and is accompanied by development tools for seamless integration into embedded systems.
Parts used in the M100PFS Project:
- PolarFire SoC
- MPFS025T FPGA
- MPFS250T FPGA
- LPDDR4 RAM
- eMMC storage
- SPI NOR flash
- Samtec board-to-board connectors
- Gigabit Ethernet ports
- CAN 2.0 A and B interfaces
- USB 2.0 OTG port
- UARTs
- I2C interfaces
- SPI interfaces
- SD/SDIO connections
- M100PFEVP baseboard (optional)
Aries Embedded has launched a Linux-powered, FPGA-enabled RISC-V SoC from Microchip’s Micro semi unit, called the M100PFS. It is one of the first compute modules equipped with the PolarFire SoC. The M100PFS features an identical 74 x 42mm footprint as Aries’ similar M100PF module, which is equipped with the PolarFire FPGA without the Linux-ready RISC-V cores. The M100PFS enables applications like wireline access networks, cellular infrastructure, defense, commercial aviation, industrial automation, and IoT.
The new M100PFS offers support for more entry-level FPGA models, two more versions of the M100PFS module with different FPGA capabilities are available for order with shipments due in Q3 2020. The mid-range 93KLE and 161KLE FPGAs are available only on request. The largest 460K LE capability will be available in a later model. There are two major M100PFS SKUs, namely the M100PFS-025ADA0 — MPFS025T FPGA with 23K LE, 68 math blocks, 4x SERDES, 1GB LPDDR4 RAM for HMS (RISC-V/Linux), 4GB eMMC, and the M100PFS-250AECC — MPFS250T FPGA with 254K LE, 784 blocks, 16x SERDES; 4GB LPDDR4 each for HMS and FPGA; 8GB eMMC. All the models that are available now enable 12.5Gbps SERDES and 2x PCIe root port/endpoints. Available also are 2x 64-bit AXI4 processor-to-fabric interfaces, 3x 64-bit AXI4 fabric-to-processor interfaces, and a 32-bit APB processor-to-fabric link.
The M100PFS incorporates a 32 MBit SPI NOR flash and also an “execute in place” Quad SPI flash controller. It offers support for up to 64GB eMMC by order. Its 3.3V, 0 to 70°C tolerant module features dual 180-pin Samtec board-to-board connectors. I/O features includes 2x GbE, 2x CAN 2.0 A and B, 2x SPI, 2x I2C, 5x multi-mode UARTs, and single USB 2.0 OTG and MMC 5.1 SD/SDIO connections. Additionally, the module enables GPIO, an RTC, a clock distribution, and different timers, inclusive of 5x watchdogs. The announcement does not include a carrier board, but the FPGA-only M100PF module features an optional M100PFEVP baseboard. The carrier features a microSD slot plus 2x GbE ports, a micro-USB port, 4x DB9 ports, and 2x UART and 2x CAN ports. The M100PFEVP also features a TFT, HSMC, and 3x PMOD connectors. The M100PFS module will be available along with the Linux- and FPGA PolarFire SoC development tools.
Read more: ARIES LAUNCHES RISC-V BASED POLARFIRE SOC MODULE
- What is the M100PFS?
A Linux-powered, FPGA-enabled RISC-V SoC compute module from Aries Embedded using Microchip's PolarFire technology. - Can the M100PFS be used in cellular infrastructure?
Yes, the module enables applications including cellular infrastructure, defense, commercial aviation, and industrial automation. - Does the M100PFS have different FPGA capabilities available?
Yes, two major SKUs are available now, with mid-range models on request and larger capabilities coming later. - How much RAM does the M100PFS-250AECC model support?
The M100PFS-250AECC supports 4GB LPDDR4 for HMS and 4GB LPDDR4 for the FPGA. - What storage options are supported by the module?
The module incorporates 32 MBit SPI NOR flash and supports up to 64GB eMMC by order. - Are carrier boards included with the M100PFS announcement?
No, the announcement does not include a carrier board, though an optional M100PFEVP baseboard exists for the FPGA-only version. - What communication interfaces are included on the module?
Features include 2x GbE, 2x CAN 2.0 A and B, 2x SPI, 2x I2C, 5x multi-mode UARTs, and single USB 2.0 OTG. - When will shipments for the new M100PFS modules be due?
Shipments for the two new versions of the M100PFS module are due in Q3 2020.
