PolarBerry is a System-on-Module (SoM) SBC utilizing the Microchip PolarFire SoC, which integrates a low-power FPGA with a highly secure, four-application-core, 64-bit, Linux-capable RISC-V subsystem.

Doesn’t Cost an ARM and a Leg

PolarBerry is the first production- and deployment-ready SoM with a hardened real-time, Linux-capable, RISC-V-based MPU subsystem bringing low power consumption, thermal efficiency, and defense-grade security to embedded systems. With a deterministic, coherent RISC-V CPU cluster and a deterministic L2 memory subsystem enabling Linux and real-time applications, PolarBerry is the ideal SoM for users who are looking to develop systems which are not based on ARM processors.

Built-in Security

With its defense-grade security, PolarBerry is an ideal SoM for applications where security is paramount. PolarBerry offers all the important attributes for a strong SoC FPGA design security at no cost to the system developers.

Low- and High-speed Connectivity

Polarfire offers several interfaces, including a Raspberry Pi-compatible connector which gives developers access to most RPi HATs for prototyping and development. There’s also one RJ45 connector of Ethernet, two CAN bus interfaces, and a JTAG programming interface. If used with a carrier board, PolarBerry offers many more interfaces, including 4 x SERDES lanes at 12.5 Gbps for applications like imaging that required high-speed data communications.

RISC-V Integration Made Easy

PolarBerry is a production- and deployment-ready SoM that will instantly jumpstart your product development. This compact (5.5 x 8.5 cm), self-contained SoM puts the power of RISC-V hard cores directly in your hands. Integration is easy - the board can be powered via its onboard Raspberry Pi interface, via our SE215 high-speed carrier board, or via a carrier board of your own design.

SE215 PCIe SoM carrier board shown with a non-PolarBerry module

Application Flexibility

PolarBerry is designed to be application-flexible, while also being quick to use and deploy. Its combination of features make it perfect for applications that require high-performance but a low power draw, defense-level security, a real-time, deterministic RISC-V processor that’s capable of Linux, a small physical profile, immediate connectivity, or custom extensibility - such as those in the autonomous vehicle or defense industries.

FPGA, RISC-V, and Linux

With its PolarFire SoC, PolarBerry provides a system with hardened, deterministic, coherent RISC-V processing and programmable logic - enabling real-time systems and Linux with unparalleled security features.

SBC and SoM Form-factor

As the board is essentially an SBC in a SoM form-factor, it can be utilized as a standalone module or along with a carrier board like the Sundance DSP SE215 carrier or one of your own design.

A Raspberry Pi connector, two CAN bus interfaces, and an RJ45 port for Ethernet allows PolarBerry to tap into extensive ecosystems, and its Samtec connectors provide high-speed communication to a carrier board for powerful peripheral customization.

For example, PolarBerry works well with our SE215 PCIe SoM carrier board which provides access to an FMC and additional interfaces like an SFP+ module.

Security

PolarBerry utilizes the PolarFire FPGA fabric and RISC-V processors to provide high levels of security for real-time applications. It features advanced code and bitstream security and anti-tamper engines. These measures give PolarBerry previously unheard-of, defense-level security for an SBC/SoM:

• Bitstream protection
• Key management
• FPGA hardware access control
• Anti-cloning protection
• Device-level anti-tamper features
• Supply chain assurance
• Secure boot
• Physical memory protection (PMP)

Features & Specifications

• SoC: Microchip PolarFire SoC MPFS250T-FCVG484
  • 5 x RISC-V cores in a deterministic, coherent cluster
    • 1 x RV64IMAC monitor core
    • 4 x RV64GC application cores
  • 254K x logic elements (4LUT + DFF)
  • 784 x math blocks (18 x 18 MACC)
  • 4 x SERDES lanes at 12.5 Gbps
  • 12 W maximum power consumption
  • Built-in oscillator for configuration, etc.
• Security:
  • DPA-resistant bitstream programming
  • DPA-resistant secure boot
  • Anti-tamper
  • CRI DPA countermeasures pass-through license
• Memory: Micron MT40A1G16WBU-083E:B
  • 4 GB of 32-bit wide DDR4 memory
• Storage:
  • 128 MB SPI serial NOR flash for storing boot image
  • 4 GB eMMC for general use
• Clock Sources:
  • 1 x 25 MHz XO with ±10 ppm stability over temperature, as reference
  • 4 x Silicon Labs SI5338A programmable clock sources, providing flexible clocking to FPGA and high-speed transceivers
• Transceivers:
  • 4 x high-speed, low-power transceivers from 250 Mbps – 12.7 Gbps
• Expansion Interfaces:
  • High-speed IO: 3 x high-speed Samtec connectors
    • Bank 1 IO from FPGA including ULPI
    • JTAG
    • SPI interface from FPGA
    • 100/1000BASE-T interface
  • Raspberry Pi connector: 40-pin (2 x 20) male headers with standard 0.1" (2.54 mm) pitch
    • 1 x I²C from RISC-V subsystem
    • 1 x UART from RISC-V subsystem
    • 20 x GPIOs from FPGA subsystem (can be assigned to SPI, UART, CAN or another interface from RISC-V subsystem)
    • 6 x GPIOs from RISC-V subsystem
    • All RPi signals are 3.3 V logic
  • CAN: four-pin (1 x 4) male headers with standard 0.1" (2.54 mm) pitch
    • 2 x CAN 2.0 PHY
  • Ethernet: RJ45 connector
    • 100/1000BASE-T
• Power: Intel EN63A0QA
  • Operates on 5 and 3.3 V input
  • Maximum power consumption of the module is 16 W
• Dimensions: 55 x 85 mm
• Temperature range: -0°C to +85°C

Functional Schematic

Click to enlarge

Comparisons

Support & Documentation

• PolarBerry overview
• PolarFire SoC brochure
• PolarFire SoC overview
• Linux builds
• Bare-metal libraries
• RISC-V documentation

Development Tools

SundanceDSP is part of the Microsemi Mi-V ecosystem, which brings together tools and vendors tailored for the PolarFire SoC, including:

• OS: Yocto, BuildRoot, FreeBSD
• RTOS: FreeRTOS, Zephyr, and others
• Compilers: GCC, IAR, and others
• Tools: Renode, Libero

Free Libero Silver License

Developing on the PolarBerry 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.

Manufacturing Plan

SundanceDSP has over 25 years of experience in the design and manufacture of high-end electronic devices such as SoMs and SBCs. PolarBerry is the evolution of several previous SoMs. The SE215 carrier board already exists and is in use with another SoM, so is ready to ship.

Fulfillment & Logistics

All PolarBerry boards will be fully tested at our office in Reno, Nevada and then shipped to Crowd Supply’s warehouse for final fulfillment to backers worldwide. The cost of domestic shipping is already included in the price.

Risks & Challenges

Since this product is an evolution of other similar SoM products with PolarFire FPGA, there is minimal risk to backers. The biggest risk is that the COVID-19 pandemic may delay some aspect of the delivery schedule, in which case we will notify backers via project updates.