Geehy First to Design Real-Time MCU on Arm’s New Dual-Core Architecture
Geehy Semiconductor has introduced the G32R501, the so-called industry's first real-time microcontroller (MCU) built on a dual-core Arm Cortex-M52 architecture.
Geehy Semiconductor recently released the G32R501 real-time MCU for mass production.
Geehy's newest MCU addresses the challenges of highly automated factory floors, where robots or automated machinery must perform intricate tasks in real time, coordinate with each other, and respond to sensor data without a moment's delay. Because disruptions in the process can impact production and quality, developers in these industries increasingly need MCUs, like the G32R501, that can handle demanding real-time tasks.
Introducing a Real-Time MCU for Enhanced Control
Geehy built the G32R501 MCU to bring speed, efficiency, and reliability to automated systems. Its dual-core design enables parallel processing, meaning that it can handle one or multiple tasks simultaneously. One core can be dedicated to time-critical control functions, while the other manages communication or monitoring for smooth and uninterrupted operation.
The G32R501 can operate with speeds up to 250 MHz, providing users with a significant boost in processing power. It also incorporates single- and double-precision FPUs and an Arm Helium DSP extension, enhancing its capabilities for AI/ML tasks and complex signal processing.
Geehy's proprietary Zidian Math Instruction Extension further accelerates complex mathematical calculations, which is crucial for real-time system intelligence. The MCU bolsters its rapid data access and code execution with its 640 KB of Flash memory (512 KB + 128 KB), 128 KB of SRAM, and tightly coupled memory (TCM). A six-channel DMA module also minimizes CPU overhead during data transfers, freeing up processing power for critical tasks.
A Dual-Core Architecture Ups Efficiency, Cuts Latency
The G32R501 includes a comprehensive set of analog and signal processing capabilities, enhancing its all-round performance. It features three 12-bit ADCs with a 3.45 MSPS sampling rate for high-speed, high-precision sensor data acquisition. Seven built-in 12-bit reference DAC comparators enable real-time voltage monitoring and trip functions, enhancing system safety.
Seven enhanced capture modules, including two high-resolution capture units, provide precise signal acquisition for dynamic control applications. Two enhanced quadrature encoder pulse modules support high-precision displacement and speed measurement for motor control. Four Σ-Δ filter modules improve ADC accuracy and signal-to-noise ratio in challenging environments. These capabilities may make the G32R501 a powerful tool for various industrial applications.
Block diagram of the G32R501.
For control, the G32R501 includes 16 high-resolution PWM channels with 150-ps resolution and four flexible logic blocks for interconnectivity. It also offers extensive communication interfaces, including UART, CAN, I2C, QSPI, and PMBus.
Security is a priority, with features like dual-code security, lost clock detection, a watchdog timer, register write protection, and ECC and parity checking. The MCU meets stringent industry standards like IEC 61508 SIL2 and AEC-Q100 Grade 1 and operates reliably from -40°C to 125°C. Geehy provides comprehensive development software libraries, IDE compatibility, and hardware evaluation kits to support G32R501 users.
Precise Control for Any Industry
The G32R501, with its dual-core architecture, advanced features, and focus on real-time performance, is a powerful enabler for the industry's future. It provides the processing power, precision, and reliability needed for increasingly complex and automated systems, paving the way for advancements in various sectors.
The G32R501 is designed to be versatile, targeting a wide range of industrial applications. It's well-suited for industrial automation, controlling complex machinery, robots, and servo systems with precision. It may also find applications in commercial power supplies, where real-time control is essential for stability and efficiency, and in the electric vehicles industry for onboard chargers (OBCs) and other critical systems.
The demand for high-performance, real-time control is rising, driven by advancements in areas like smart driving, robotics, and intelligent energy, and the G32R501 is designed to meet that demand.
