- Blueshift’s BlueFive RISC-V processor solves memory and energy wall issues
- BlueFive claims faster computing speed and lower energy consumption through data optimization
- Proven design integrates memory controller, CPU for increased efficiency
Blueshift Memory has launched a new RISC-V processor reference design that aims to solve dual computing challenges: a memory wall caused by slower memory access speeds compared to the processor, and an energy wall ( (caused by rising energy costs for data movement).
The UK-based company claims its BlueFive processors can increase computing speeds by 5 to 50 times, depending on the application and programming language, while reducing energy consumption by 50 to 65 percent by minimizing data movement.
Blueshift’s processors are built on the OpenHW Group’s open source RISC-V core and incorporate its proprietary Yonder smart cache and BlueBlaze smart memory controller. The company says the combination eliminates memory-to-CPU latency, speeds up operations, and reduces energy use.
Proven design
Peter Marosan, founder and chief technology officer of Blueshift Memory, said: “The hardware was originally created under our successful Innovation UK Smart funding project and later refined as a reference design for standalone processors.” “We are using TensorFlow, Redis and C/C++ libraries to create a software environment for that CPU, which will also make it available to Python.”
Blueshift said the design was verified in an FPGA using the STREAM benchmark and tested with real-world applications, including computer vision AI and the Redis memory database.
The company says its non-von Neumann architecture performs best when integrated into memory and CPUs.
“Our design has been proven in hardware, unlike other CPU solutions that aim to accelerate calculations or only provide simulation results. It specifically addresses the memory wall problem, where memory technology lags behind processor advancements and impedes progress. Fundamental problem.
“We are already working with commercial partners who will be the conduit for our RISC-V solution. We are also making this reference design available to other customers to create their own efficient CPU designs.
Marosan added: “We are also working with a manufacturer in Southeast Asia to create a high-bandwidth memory chip that supports Blueshift Memory, and we will make further announcements about this soon.”