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The Automotive RISC-V Prototype consists of a RISC-V Core Virtual Prototype (VP) based on the Synopsys Virtual Development Kit (VDK). It is bundled with software drivers and a template project for rapid prototyping to form a Software Development Kit (SDK) that enables pre-silicon software development. The VDK models the complete MCU including the RISC-V-based multi-core cluster, the interrupt controller, the interprocessor communication and the proven automotive peripherals.

From the perspective of UDE’s internal core debuggers, the RISC-V prototype is regarded as a virtual target. In terms of the user interface, however, there is no difference to a real microcontroller. The UDE provides users of the RISC-V simulator platform with a front end that offers the same debugging functions that are available for real microcontrollers. This includes the debugging of C and C++ source code compiled with the RISC-V GCC compiler or the RISC-V LLVM compiler from HighTec, as well as the debugging of assembly code for the RISC-V instruction set (ISA). For multi-core applications, UDE provides dedicated core synchronization support for run-control and multi-core breakpoints. UDE’s detailed register database provides access to all MCU submodule and peripheral registers. For a detailed run-time observation of the executed code on the Automotive RISC-V Prototype, UDE’s trace functions are connected to the trace interface of the VDK. Based on the recorded trace data, the UDE enables, among other things, the visualization of the sequence of executed functions, the measurement of execution times to calculate profiling information, and the reconstruction of the call graph of executed functions.

Since the use of UDE is completely identical for both the virtual target and real microcontrollers, the transition to RISC-V based silicon is greatly simplified. There is no need to change tools for this step.

“In view of the increasing competitive pressure among automobile manufacturers, it is becoming more and more important to provide system developers with development tools in the pre-silicon phase of new high-end microcontroller generations, enabling them to start application development at an early stage. It is especially important that the subsequent transition to real silicon is consistent and seamless in terms of productivity, functionality, and ease of use. As a long-standing tool partner of Infineon, the UDE 2025 enables us to offer both existing AURIX users and future newcomers a product that fully meets these requirements, including with regard to the Automotive RISC-V Prototype,” says Jens Braunes, Product Marketing Manager at PLS.

“We are excited to see PLS‘ UDE Universal Debug Engine supporting our Automotive RISC-V Prototype, enabling our customers to start developing and testing their applications early in the design process. This partnership will help customers accelerate their development timelines and improve the overall quality of their applications. By working together, we aim to drive the adoption of RISC-V in the automotive industry and establish a new standard for automotive microcontrollers,” says Thomas Schneid, Senior Director Software, Partnership and Ecosystem Management at Infineon Technologies.

Infineon Technologies AG

Infineon Technologies AG is a global semiconductor leader in power systems and IoT. Infineon drives decarbonization and digitalization with its products and solutions. The company has around 58,060 employees worldwide and generated revenue of about €15 billion in the 2024 fiscal year (ending 30 September). Infineon is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX) and in the USA on the OTCQX International over-the-counter market (ticker symbol: IFNNY). Further information is available at www.infineon.com.