Ceit drives the semiconductor design to strengthen the Basque industry.
09 | 12 | 2024
The technology center participates in the project 'SoC4CRIS' aimed at strengthening autonomy in the design and semiconductor manufacturing in the Basque Country.
The goal of the project is to design the first "Chip" with European RISC-V CPU technology for application in the core topic sectors for the Economics of the Basque Country.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed a structural fragility in the semiconductor supply chain, affecting strategic sectors in the Basque Country such as transportation, energy, automotive, health and machine tool. Difficulties in sourcing these essential components compromised the production and development of capital goods and final products, underlining the need for local capacity for design and manufacturing of these devices.
To address this problem, the project SoC4CRIS is working on the design of the first chip developed in the Basque Country with European RISC-V technology, an architecture that promotes technological autonomy. This semiconductor, known as System-on-Chip (SoC), is designed for critical applications in core topic sectors of the Basque Economics . In addition to strengthening the capacity to respond to possible future crises, the project seeks to create a competitive technological ecosystem, laying the groundwork instructions for the development of new integrated circuits adapted to local industrial needs.
Advanced technology for greater autonomy
System-on-Chip (SoC) represent an innovation core topic in the semiconductor field. These devices integrate, in a single component, elements such as processors, report, communication peripherals and software, offering a compact and efficient solution for complex applications.
At framework SoC4CRIS, a complete SoC based on RISC-V architecture has been designed for the first time in the Basque Country. This breakthrough includes specialized modules for sensorics and preprocessing of data, which makes it a highly adaptable device to the requirements of sectors such as aerospace, energy and health.
The role core topic of Ceit in the semiconductor design
Ceit plays a key role in the success of SoC4CRIS, providing technical solutions core topic for the development of project. The center has designed a complete RISC-V subsystem, accompanied by an ecosystem that guarantees its correct operation. It has also developed an advanced peripheral for communication with external sensors, which has been integrated into the SoC led by the UPV/EHU. As a complement, Ceit has created an emulation system based on Zynqberry technology, aimed at validating the functionalities of the SoC and the technological contributions of the different partners.
A project with an impact on the industrial future of the Basque Country
Funded by SPRI's Elkartek program, the consortium brings together Ceit, Tekniker, Ikerlan, IKOR and the GAIA Cluster, under the coordination of the UPV/EHU. The project not only solves immediate challenges related to the dependence on imported semiconductors, but also positions the Basque Country as a benchmark in European microelectronic innovation.
