The foldable screen market has seen some major advancements over the last few years, with the first consumer versions now available. These flexible devices have helped to alter the capabilities and way people use their electronics. Now, it’s time for flexible microprocessors to get in on the fun. Here’s what you need to know about these innovative devices and how they could reshape the electronics market moving forward.
Semiconductors
Semiconductors were first invented in the mid-1800s and have since become a crucial element in today’s diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits. These devices can be made in a variety of methods and utilize several core materials including silicon, germanium, and gallium arsenide. Semiconductors are a core building block of today’s advanced technology as well, including quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and edge computing.
Given the critical role that semiconductors play in modern electronics, it’s not surprising to learn that there has been considerable effort put forth to improve the form, capabilities, and power consumption requirements of these devices. One such event that has recently seen considerable excitement from the industry is the introduction of the Flex-RV chip series from Pragmatic Semiconductor.
Flex-RV
Flex-RV is one of the first products launched by FlexIC Foundry. These units are the first flexible 32-bit, low-cost microprocessors to become commercially available. They provide a host of benefits that could one day be seen in a massive array of smart devices globally. Smart devices, in particular, can function on microprocessors with low clock frequencies, making them an ideal sector to integrate the Flex-RV.
Source – Pragmatic Semiconductor Flexible Microprocessor
Flexible Microprocessors Study
The Flex-RV was revealed in a recent study published in the Nature Journal that delves into the flexible microprocessor concept, how it functions, applications, and overall performance. The report reveals the Flex-RV uses a 32-bit microprocessor based on an open RISC-V design, enabling more innovation without restrictions by manufacturers.
Notably, the programmable processor can execute programs written in several high-level languages, reducing onboarding and compatibility concerns. The study goes in-depth, showcasing the microprocessor’s functionality under normal and bent conditions. As the first bendable nonsilicon RISC-V microprocessor, researchers were eager to test the capabilities of the 32-bit microprocessor.
ML Capabilities
One of the most unique aspects of the research and new chip layout was the inclusion of ML (Machine Learning) capabilities. The engineers successfully embedded a programmable ML hardware accelerator into the device. Specifically, the team used indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) to support the proprietary SIMD (single instruction multiple data) engine. This engine serves an important role in matrix multiplication and post-processing operations.
Flexible Microprocessors Test
The engineers began testing their device, which used indium gallium zinc oxide thin-film transistors on a flexible polyimide substrate. Notably, the bendable microprocessor had a thickness of 30 µm. The process began by securing the processor to an ultrathin flexible PCB with a thickness of 45 µm. To accomplish this task, the engineers needed to create a new manufacturing method called over-edge printing (OEP).
The chip was designed to operate as a system-on-a-chip (SOC) around the Serv CPU. Notably, Serv CPU differs from traditional CPUs in that its 32-bit processor executes commands bit by bit. This approach lowers computational hardware demand. It also provides low design complexity, reducing manufacturing and integration costs.
Researchers connected the Server CPU and bendable microprocessor. Additionally, they integrated a register file (RF), a debug switch, a multiplexor switch, an on-chip RAM block, an arbiter, a Random Access Memory (RAM) interface, and a General-purpose Input/Output (GPIO) interface. This strategy required the chip to leverage an off-chip memory to access code. As such, a custom Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) was also required.
Flexible Microprocessors Results
The test results demonstrated successful operations of the flexible microprocessor. The Flex-RV assembled on a FlexPCB was clocked at speeds of 60 kHz. This performance was not hindered by the microprocessor being bent until a curvature of +5 mm, which is a massive upgrade to today’s brittle chips.
The team then registered electrical consumption while running test programs. They were excited to see that the flexible microprocessor could deliver the required performance while consuming less than 6 mW of energy. Specifically, there was only a 4.3% performance variation compared to traditional chips on average. These test results demonstrate the massive potential the Flex-RV chipset holds.
Benefits of Flexible Microprocessors
There are several reasons why flexible microprocessors are the future. For one, they can democratize access to computing. Their ultra-low cost and ease of manufacturing will improve integration and enable developers to make more items smart without increasing costs. As such, those who previously couldn’t enjoy smart tech will start to gain access to these systems quickly.
Ultralow-Cost
When compared to today’s best chip foundries, the bendable microprocessing saves manufacturers and consumers across the board. The sub-dollar manufacturing process is far less than using silicon. Much of the manufacturing cost of today’s silicon chips is based on having to fit the devices into specific locations. Using low-cost flexible microprocessors could help to reduce dependency on these expensive and often state-of-the-art silicon chip foundries, further improving cost savings.
Open Source
Another major reason why the Flex-RV is a game changer is that it’s open source. Open Source projects provide multiple advantages. For one, they help to drive innovation as anyone can interact and build on their features. Additionally, they lower costs as there is no need to pay licensing fees which limit innovation. As such, the Flex-RV can compete with proprietary providers like x86 by Intel & AMD, and ARMvX by Arm.
Durable
Durability is another bonus that can’t be overlooked. Today’s silicon chips are brittle and very sensitive to environmental conditions. Their inflexible nature means they are customized to fit into every use case scenario. This form-fitting can also further reduce durability. Eliminating the rigid chip packaging that silicon boards use empowers developers to create more useful and rugged chips.
Low Energy Requirements
The Flex-RV chipset offers reasonable performance with minimal energy consumption requirements. Notably, the Flex-RV chip can operate at 60 kHz while only consuming around 6 mW of power. This lower energy consumption results in a smaller carbon footprint, heat precipitation, and less damage to the environment.
Rapid Turnaround
Another major advantage that the new Flex-RV chips bring to the market is rapid turnaround. They require less material and a far less complicated manufacturing process. As such, these chips can be created in less time and with non-recurring engineering costs.
Drive Innovation
Perhaps one of the biggest draws of the new flexible microprocessor tech is that it will usher in a new age of innovation. These low-cost microprocessors will enable engineers to make more items smart, improving interconnectivity and usefulness for consumers. It will also result in more cohesion between education, academic, and industrial research.
Researchers
Pragmatic Semiconductor is the firm behind the groundbreaking research into flexible microprocessors. Specifically, Emre Ozer, Senior Director of Processor Development at Pragmatic acted as the lead researcher for the project. The study also included support from hardware and software experts, including Qamcom. Additionally, Harvard University engineers participated.
Firms that Can Integrate Flexible Microprocessors and Prosper
There are several firms that could integrate this technology and improve their offerings. These companies rely on form-fitted chips currently, which has raised their prices and reduced durability. The integration of Flex-RV options could help reduce the size and costs of their offerings moving forward.
1. Abbott Laboratories (ABT)
Abbott Laboratories has been a major player in the healthcare sector since 1888 when it was founded by Dr. Abbott to help spread his alkaloid medical granules to the country. By 1907, the company had grown to an international provider of medicines and health products. Today, it’s a top performer in the medical devices and wearables field.
Abbott Laboratories (ABT +0.37%)
Abbott Laboratories (ABT +0.37%)
Abbott Laboratories offers several wearables that help patients track their health in real time. These devices could see vast improvements alongside lower costs if flexible microprocessors were used in manufacturing. Today, Abbott Laboratories has a market cap of around +$194.7B, making it a wise addition to any portfolio seeking exposure to the wearables health sector.
Future of Flexible Microprocessors
The future of flexible microprocessing technology is bright. There is a strong demand for wearables and single-use electronics across multiple industries. Imagine smart packaging that reveals key details about the product you’re purchasing, single-use smart healthcare tests, and much more.
All of these advancements could become commonplace in the coming months if the flexible microprocessing technology can take off. For now, this research represents a turning point in the race to create bendable electronics.
Learn about other cool computing projects here.