3 ms·

> Apple has a perpetual license so they don't have to pay a thing and can do what they want with it. "Everybody" knows that Apple has an ARM architectural lice

by jabl 4y ago

> Apple has a perpetual license so they don't have to pay a thing and can do what they want with it. "Everybody" knows that Apple has an ARM architectural license, but AFAIU the terms haven't been disclosed. Presumably they got a sweeter deal than other ARM architectural licensees when they got rid of their ownership in ARM ages ago, but, "don't have to pay a thing" and "can do whatever they want" sounds a bit too sweet to be true? > So, developing risc v in the background without committing to it, yet, makes a lot of sense. TBH, I think Intel's interest in RISC-V is more about hurting ARM in the embedded market than about planning to sunset x86.

MobiusHorizons 4y ago
Intel is demonstrating the capabilities of their fab services including the ip blocks they have available. This scifive core is no different in that respect from the pci controller or ddr5 memory controller in that respect. Many companies want to build custom silicon for various reasons (although the current value proposition seems to be ML related). Those companies will need many pieces to get data in and out of their custom solution, and a Linux capable cpu core to handle networking or a small amount of traditional compute is often necessary. Intel building a risc V core should not be seen in light of their traditional cpu business, it’s not even in the same league in terms of performance. It’s just a technology demonstrator to prove to companies that intel can actually deliver designs that integrate intel designed ip and regular fabless semiconductor designs. The fact that risc V is guaranteed press is just icing on the cake.
- jabl 4y ago
  > Intel is demonstrating the capabilities of their fab services including the ip blocks they have available. Oh yes, absolutely. (I was going to mention that earlier, but the edit timer had expired.) But yes, splitting fab service into a separate business unit that is seriously open for 3rd parties seem to be a major strategic shift since Gelsinger took over the helm. And it probably makes sense, as TSMC et al have demonstrated the merchant fab model can work for the top end designs as well and the entire rest of the industry is moving towards that. So in a way, unless Intel wants to be the odd man out with their own idiosyncratic workflows this is a route they must go down on.

by jabl 4y ago

MobiusHorizons 4y ago

Intel is demonstrating the capabilities of their fab services including the ip blocks they have available. This scifive core is no different in that respect from the pci controller or ddr5 memory controller in that respect. Many companies want to build custom silicon for various reasons (although the current value proposition seems to be ML related). Those companies will need many pieces to get data in and out of their custom solution, and a Linux capable cpu core to handle networking or a small amount of traditional compute is often necessary. Intel building a risc V core should not be seen in light of their traditional cpu business, it’s not even in the same league in terms of performance. It’s just a technology demonstrator to prove to companies that intel can actually deliver designs that integrate intel designed ip and regular fabless semiconductor designs. The fact that risc V is guaranteed press is just icing on the cake.

jabl 4y ago
> Intel is demonstrating the capabilities of their fab services including the ip blocks they have available. Oh yes, absolutely. (I was going to mention that earlier, but the edit timer had expired.) But yes, splitting fab service into a separate business unit that is seriously open for 3rd parties seem to be a major strategic shift since Gelsinger took over the helm. And it probably makes sense, as TSMC et al have demonstrated the merchant fab model can work for the top end designs as well and the entire rest of the industry is moving towards that. So in a way, unless Intel wants to be the odd man out with their own idiosyncratic workflows this is a route they must go down on.