SiFive releases second generation of AI focused RISC-V IP (www.sifive.com)

SiFive has unveiled its second-generation Intelligence™ family of RISC-V AI IP, introducing five new products designed to accelerate AI workloads across diverse applications from edge IoT devices to data centers. This lineup includes two new models, the X160 Gen 2 and X180 Gen 2, aimed at power- and area-constrained far edge environments like automotive, robotics, and industrial automation, alongside upgraded versions of the X280, X390, and XM IPs. These chips enhance scalar, vector, and matrix processing capabilities to meet the growing complexity and demand of modern AI applications. The significance of this release lies in SiFive’s strategic focus on scalable, efficient AI computation via vector and matrix engines that offer substantial performance improvements over conventional scalar CPUs. Vector processing enables parallel data handling, reducing power consumption and accelerating inference workflows—critical for edge AI scenarios. Additionally, these IPs can serve as Accelerator Control Units (ACUs), providing flexible integration with custom AI accelerators through specialized interfaces, simplifying system design and software stacks. With immediate availability for licensing and first silicon planned for mid-2026, SiFive’s Gen 2 products address the fast-growing AI market, especially the expanding edge AI segment predicted to grow by 78%. This advancement underscores SiFive’s leadership in RISC-V AI hardware innovation, enabling developers to build efficient, configurable, and high-performance AI solutions across a wide spectrum of devices and workloads.