High-integrity processors (Custom designs)
Where existing TTE32 designs don’t match your requirements, we can provide a fully customised processor.
- Our full-custom processor designs may be based on any instruction-set architecture (ISA). For example (subject to licensing, patent and other IP restrictions) we can help you to deal with the problems caused by obsolete processors. Alternatively, we can create a processor with a unique ISA for you: coupled with appropriate protection mechanisms, this will allow you to address security concerns by eliminating the risk of “Stuxnet” type virus attacks and similar cyber threats (please contact us for further details).
- For low-volume products, we can provide a “soft” processor design to match a suitable FPGA platform (including RAM, Flash and “anti-fuse” targets). For high-volume applications (and / or for use in certain space, civil nuclear and similar systems), we can also provide ASIC implementations.
- We can provide carefully matched combinations of custom processors and complete software toolsets. For example, we can provide custom compilers and timing tools (e.g. for general timing and WCET analysis).
- We offer very flexible solutions to match your requirements. For example, the end result may be a licensed “soft” design for your team to work on, or a complete “chip in a box” solution (FPGA or ASIC implementations). Alternatively we can simply provide advice to your existing team (on a consultancy basis).
- As with our TTE32 designs, our custom processors are created by following a rigorous development methodology.
- We can provide fully-documented designs with complete verification data which are suitable for use in DO-254 / ED-80, DO-178b, IEC 61508 and similar projects.
Our services are cost effective and we aim to provide all prospective customers with a full, fixed-price, quotation very promptly.
Please contact us to discuss your individual requirements.
Typical design examples
- A single core design with hardware support for Fast-Fourier Transforms (FFTs). Provided for use on an off-the-shelf FPGA platform.
- A single-core design with support for triple-modular redundancy (TMR) in the memory interface, allowing use in space and aviation designs in which single-event effects (SEEs) - including single-event upsets (SEUs) - must be addressed. Provided in ASIC form (with an FPGA implementation for use in development).
- A single-core design with a high-integrity communication protocol (dual lane, 10 Mbit/sec, custom TTE protocol). Design only.
- A dual-core design with a high-integrity Controller Area Network (CAN) interface and high-speed PWM outputs. Provided in prototype (FPGA) form.
Evaluation process for custom processor and microcontroller designs
We can provided full simulations of custom processor platforms prior to detailed design work: these simulators can be produced quickly, at low cost, to allow you to explore possible options for your next system design (and to compare our custom designs with COTS alternatives).
In most cases, the simulation of your custom processor will be provided in a package similar to RapidiTTy lite.
Please contact us for further information.
Further information
Please contact us for further information about any of the above design services.