The Icicle Kit is the first development board for the groundbreaking PolarFire SoC, the world’s first FPGA and Linux-capable RISC-V system in a single chip.
Whether you are developing cutting-edge applications in embedded machine learning, wired networking, or industrial automation, or simply exploring RISC-V and FPGAs, the Icicle Kit and its robust Mi-V ecosystem of tools are the perfect way way to get started.
1. PolarFire® SoC MPFS250T-FCVG484EES | 15. J17 |
2. JTAG header for embedded programming - For FACTORY USE ONLY | 16. J15 |
3. USB Embedded Programming Connector | 17. 40-pin Raspberry Pi® Expansion Connector |
4. J24 | 18. CAN Connector |
5. J34 | 19. Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 Jacks |
6. J43 | 20. J31 |
7. Power ON/OFF Switch | 21. mikroBUS™ Expansion Connector |
8. 12 VDC Power Supply Input | 22. USB - UART Terminal |
9. Push Buttons | 23. SPI Flash |
10. User and Power LEDs | 24. J45 |
11. eMMC Flash | 25. J28 |
12. SD Card Slot | 26. J35 |
13. J46 | 27. x4 PCIe® Connector |
14. USB OTG | 28. JTAG Programming Header |
The Icicle Kit is based on Microchip’s PolarFire SoC (MPFS250T-FCVG484EES), which is a system-on-chip that combines the state-of-the-art PolarFire FPGA with a five-core RISC-V microprocessor subsystem by SiFive.
To quote the official PolarFire SoC documentation:
The PolarFire® SoC FPGA family delivers a combination of low power consumption, thermal efficiency and defense-grade security for smart, connected systems. It is the first System-on-Chip (SoC) FPGA with a deterministic, coherent RISC-V CPU cluster and a deterministic L2 memory subsystem for creating Linux® and real-time applications. PolarFire SoC FPGAs span from 25K to 460K Logic Elements (LEs) and feature 12.7 Gbps transceivers.
Built on the award-winning, mid-range, low-power PolarFire FPGA architecture, PolarFire SoC delivers up to 50% lower power than comparable FPGAs.
The unique architecture of the PolarFire SoC combines the power of RISC-V and Linux with the determinism needed for real-time hardware applications. See Microchip’s PolarFire SoC brochure and overview for more information.
The Mi-V ecosystem brings together tools and vendors tailored for the PolarFire SoC, including:
Developing on the PolarFire SoC Icicle kit requires a Libero Silver license, which is free of charge and valid for one year. Once that license has expired, you will be able to generate a new license each year for free.
Linux development on the Icicle Kit does not require any closed source tools or familiarity with FPGA development tools. Here’s how to get started quickly:
root
and either no password or, in some cases, a password of microchip
.That’s it! You are now logged into Linux running on the Icicle Kit.
Icicle Kit is an evolution of HiFive Unleashed by SiFive and the accompanying HiFive Unleashed Expansion Board by Microchip. We worked closely with SiFive to integrate their RISC-V cores into PolarFire SoC and consolidate everything onto a single board.
Icicle Kit underwent several prototype iterations before arriving at the final design.
Produced by Microchip in Chandler, AZ.
Sold and shipped by Crowd Supply.
This kit includes the Icicle development board, a quick-start instructions card, a 12 VDC / 5 A power adapter and cord, an Ethernet cable, and a micro USB cable.
Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of microcontroller, analog, FPGA, connectivity, and power management semiconductors. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs which reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market. The company’s solutions serve more than 130,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications, and computing markets. Get Launched is a start-up and incubator support program which helps companies achieve rapid time-to-production/market by utilizing Microchip’s technical expertise to advise throughout the design process.
An MCU + eFPGA dev kit with 100% vendor-supported open source tools that fits inside your USB port
Everything you need to navigate the world's largest electronics market
A Linux computer that connects to the real world: ARM + FPGA + Wi-Fi + 180 I/O