RISC-V MCU for secure, ultra-low-power IoT with embedded AI and cybersecurity features.

The growing IoT market demands secure, energy-efficient, and intelligent embedded processors capable of operating in constrained environments. Current commercial MCUs lack integration of advanced cybersecurity and AI capabilities at ultra-low power levels. This project aims to bridge this gap by developing a RISC-V–based MCU optimized for sub-threshold operation, integrating embedded security features and AI accelerators.

The project focuses on the design and validation of a RISC-V–based Microcontroller Unit (MCU) featuring:

Ÿ   Cybersecurity Architecture: Secure Boot, TrustZone-like isolation, secured image update, and hardware encrypt/decrypt engines tailored for IoT embedded systems.

Ÿ   Sub-threshold Technology: Development of specific libraries and design methodologies for selected process nodes, enabling reliable operation in the sub-threshold region for ultra-low-power consumption.

Ÿ   Edge AI Accelerators: Dedicated lightweight AI processing units for biomedical wearables, environmental sensors, and other IoT edge applications.

Ÿ   Advanced Power Management Controller: Multi-mode operation (active, sleep, deep sleep) enabling dynamic power optimization and system wake-up control.

Ÿ   Peripheral Integration: Built-in interfaces (SPI, UART, I2C) and additional support for audio and display peripherals for connected sensor systems.

This R&D effort will generate new IP blocks and methodologies supporting secure, intelligent, and energy-efficient IoT edge devices.