Design Concept of Responsive Multithreaded Processor for Distributed Real-Time Control

Abstract

This paper describes the design concept of Responsive MultiThreaded (RMT) Processor for distributed real-time control that controls various embedded systems including robots, home automation, factory automation, etc. RMT processor integrates an 8-way multithreaded processor (RMT processing unit) for real-time processing, four sets of Responsive Link II for real-time communication, and I/O peripherals including DDR SDRAM I/Fs, DMAC, PCI64, USB2.0, IEEE1394, PWM generators, pulse counters, etc., into an ASIC chip. System designers can use various on-chip functions easily by connecting required I/Os to this chip directly. The designers can also realize distributed control systems by connecting several RMT processors with their own functions via Responsive Link II.