RISC-V System-on-Chip in Practice: Investigating its Innovation and Customisation across various Application Scenarios

Abstract

This thesis explores the implementation and versatility of RISC-V architecture across a range of specialized applications, demonstrating its significant potential in industrial measurement, automotive control, wireless communication, and digital signal processing. The research introduces five distinct applications of RISC-V technology, each within a different domain, showcasing the architecture's adaptability and efficiency. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first research on RISC-V's applications in respective fields. In Chapter 3, a pico-second timing System-on-Chip is developed for magnetostrictive displacement sensors, utilizing 180 nm CMOS technology to achieve a time resolution of 156 ps. Chapter 4 details the design of a RISC-V-based system-on-chip for motorcycle engine control units, incorporating advanced sensor interfaces to improve engine performance and reduce system costs. Chapter 5 discusses the application of RISC-V in mobile payment systems using visible light communication, enhancing transaction security and data processing capabilities. Furthermore, the chapter presents a system-on-chip for electronic toll collection that integrates multiple communication technologies. Chapter 6 introduces a high-precision PWM DAC design as a peripheral to RISC-V, achieving notable resolution improvements for industrial sensors. Finally, Chapter 7 examines the integration of RISC-V into joint source-channel coding systems, employing advanced error-correction and machine learning algorithms to enhance communication reliability and efficiency. The findings underscore RISC-V’s customization and flexibility, proving its suitability for diverse applications that demand high precision, security, and cost-efficiency. This thesis not only expands the academic understanding of RISC-V technology but also sets the stage for its future exploration and integration into emerging technological fields.