CAST推出全新计划, 简化RISC-V IP采用流程

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This program is a new way for embedded system developers to adopt RISC-V processors faster and with less risk. Catalyst combines CAST’s 32-bit RISC-V processor IP cores with simplified configurations, flexible "try before you buy" licensing, and direct engineering support.

Oct. 27, 2025 – 

The aim is to make it easier to use RISC-V for small, low-power, and cost-sensitive embedded systems.

CAST Catalyst features five processor cores clearly targeted to the requirements of specific embedded applications. Each core is ready to use out of the box with support for a preselected set of RISC-V instruction set extensions and processor options:

BA5x-TN - Ultra-compact (~17k gates) delivering strong performance in minimal area. Suitable for 8/16-bit MCU replacement, sensor hubs, and always-on control logic.

BA5x-LP - Versatile Low-Power Embedded Controller - balanced performance and efficiency with full interrupt control, cache options, and configurable bus interfaces. A drop-in solution for general-purpose embedded and industrial systems.

BA5x-CM - Compact Connected and RTOS-Ready Core - Adds hardware floating-point and atomic operations for real-time multitasking and connected devices. Designed for IoT, wearables, and smart-edge systems needing efficient yet capable processing.

BA5x-EP - Enhanced-Processing, Feature-Rich Edge Processor - Incorporates dual/single-precision FPU, MMU, and optional hypervisor for multi-OS or secure domain operation. Intended for edge controllers, gateways, or complex embedded applications.

EMSA5-GP - General Purpose, Vector-Capable Embedded Processor - Adds a subset of the RISC-V Vector extension for efficient parallel math and data transforms. Accelerates FIR/IIR filters, FFTs, sensor-fusion, and packet-processing workloads with minimal area overhead.

"RISC-V offers a huge, rich set of options that a processor IP customer can typically configure. But after working with embedded system developers for 30 years, we’ve found that 90% of them don’t need all that, and they don’t want to wade through everything that RISC-V offers just to get started with the right processor for their design," said Bill Finch, senior business development vice president for CAST. "These Catalyst cores cover most of the embedded applications spectrum and give developers very predictable, very competitive power, performance, and area results at every level."

The Catalyst Program is intended to make evaluating and deploying RISC-V processor IP cores faster and more flexible while reducing a customer’s technical and expense risks.

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