Thursday, August 15, 2024

SiFive’s 256-Core RISC-V Processor for AI-Powered Datacenters

SiFive launched its new Performance P870-D processor, designed to meet the growing demands of AI and high-performance computing in datacenters, vehicles, and embedded systems. The P870-D builds on the success of the P870, offering enhanced compute density, scalability, and energy efficiency, crucial for handling parallelizable infrastructure workloads such as video streaming, storage, and web applications. By leveraging SiFive’s RISC-V architecture, the P870-D processor delivers powerful solutions tailored to the needs of modern AI workloads.

The P870-D supports up to 256 cores and integrates industry-standard protocols, enabling datacenter architects to build scalable and coherent systems. This new processor is not only designed for high performance but also emphasizes cost-efficiency and sustainability, aligning with the industry’s shift towards more energy-efficient computing. SiFive has also added advanced Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability (RAS) features to ensure system reliability and data integrity, essential for mission-critical applications.

Key features include:

  • Scalability up to 256 cores for high-performance computing on demand.
  • Full compatibility with the RVA23 profile, enhancing software support and reducing development costs.
  • Support for the RISC-V Sv57 extension, enabling 57-bit virtual address space.
  • Integration of 4 CHI ports/clusters for expanded peripheral and memory device connectivity.
  • Advanced Interrupt Architecture (AIA) with support for Message Signal Interrupts (MSI) and virtualization.

The P870-D processor is currently sampling to lead customers, with full production expected by the end of 2024.