Sep 08, 2022 21:00:00

NASA adopts RISC-V based processor 'SiFive Intelligence X280' for space mission, expected to have 100 times more computing power than before

It became clear that NASA adopted the processor '

SiFive Intelligence X280 ' designed based on the instruction set architecture ' RISC-V ' developed under an open source license.

NASA Selects SiFive and Makes RISC-V the Go-to Ecosystem for Future Space Missions - SiFive
https://www.sifive.com/press/nasa-selects-sifive-and-makes-risc-v-the-go-to-ecosystem

The X280 is a processor that is said to dramatically improve the performance of image processing and applications on data centers, and is said to be particularly optimized for AI and machine learning processing. SiFive, which developed the X280, revealed on September 6, 2022 that the X280 was selected as the core CPU for NASA's next-

generation High Performance Space Flight Computing (HPSC) .

HPSC is expected to be used in almost all space missions planned in the future, from planetary exploration to missions on the surface of the Moon and Mars, and it seems that 100 times the conventional computing power was required. SiFive says, ``By utilizing the 8-core X280 and four SiFive RISC-V cores, it provides 100 times the computing power of the latest space computer,'' with a significant performance improvement for an autonomous spacecraft. He said that it will bring new possibilities to various elements such as image processing, guidance systems, and communication.

SiFive also noted the open nature of RISC-V, saying, ``It is a robust and long-term software ecosystem with contributions from a wide range of academic and scientific software development communities.'' Major technology companies such as Microsoft, IBM, and Qualcomm are participating in the development of RISC-V, and in addition, it is license-free and can be used by anyone, so it is highly expected as a technology that will bring a new breeze to the industry.

'We are extremely proud to have been adopted by one of the world's leading space agencies,' said Jack Kang, senior vice president of business development at SiFive. and with our collaboration, we can leverage the viability of the burgeoning RISC-V ecosystem.”