X-Silicon Unveils Low-Power C-GPU Architecture Combined With RISC-V CPU, Open Standard & Supports Vulkan - Wccftech

Abstract

X-Silicon has introduced a novel low-power C-GPU architecture that tightly integrates graphics processing with a RISC-V CPU core. This combined design champions open standards and features native support for the high-performance Vulkan graphics API. The technology aims to provide a highly efficient, modern visual computing platform for emerging embedded, IoT, and power-sensitive applications within the open hardware ecosystem.

Report

Key Highlights

• X-Silicon has unveiled a new low-power C-GPU (Combined GPU) architecture.
• The design features deep integration of the graphics unit with a RISC-V Central Processing Unit (CPU).
• The architecture is built upon open standards, emphasizing flexibility and compatibility.
• A key feature is explicit support for the high-performance, low-overhead Vulkan graphics API.

Technical Details

• Architecture Type: C-GPU (Combined Graphics Processing Unit), implying a specialized, unified architecture designed for thermal and power efficiency.
• CPU Core: Utilizes the open-source RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture (ISA), promoting customization and reducing licensing burdens.
• Graphics API: Compatibility with Vulkan ensures support for advanced 3D rendering, compute shaders, and modern operating systems with high-efficiency graphics needs.
• Power Goal: The architecture is fundamentally designed for low-power consumption, targeting deployment in energy-constrained devices.

Implications

• RISC-V Maturity: The introduction of a modern, Vulkan-capable, integrated graphics solution significantly accelerates the maturity of the RISC-V ecosystem, making it far more viable for products requiring rich visual interfaces (e.g., automotive displays, high-end IoT, and wearables).
• Challenging Incumbents: This low-power, open-standard C-GPU provides a competitive and energy-efficient alternative to the integrated graphics solutions offered by proprietary ecosystems like ARM and x86.
• Advancing Open Hardware: By combining the open RISC-V ISA with the open Vulkan API, X-Silicon reinforces the movement toward fully open, customizable, and high-performance hardware and software stacks.