The server-grade XuanTie C930 processor launched by Alibaba Group Holding is infusing new dynamism into China's semiconductor sector, as suggested by experts, due to its promise in expanding local utilization of open-source chips constructed based on RISC-V instruction set architecture , countering US tech restrictions .
The e-commerce giant's research arm, Damo Academy Last month introduced the C930 central processing unit (CPU), designed by Alibaba's semiconductor division. T-Head , designed for high-performance computing tasks, such as data-centre servers and autonomous vehicles Alibaba is the owner of the Post.
According to Damo, the C930 is set to start being shipped to customers this month, though they did not provide specific numbers. This announcement was made during the chip’s unveiling on February 28 in Beijing. The CPU architecture of the C930 can be licensed by IC designers.
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At this event, Ni Guangnan, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, stated that the open-source approach would foster an inclusive and cooperative worldwide RISC-V community, positioning it as the driving force behind innovation within the semiconductor sector.
Hangzhou Alibaba's most recent open-source project doesn't just highlight the firm's commitment but also demonstrates its broader strategy. advancement in RISC-V processor development In recent years, this has also reflected China's dedication to overcoming US sanctions.
US trade restrictions have curtailed China's access to advanced semiconductor technology and chipmaking equipment amid growing demand from domestic artificial intelligence (AI) development projects.
"Just as DeepSeek has disrupted OpenAI "Boasting open-source, low-cost, and high-performance benefits, RISC-V shows substantial potential in the AI era," noted analysts from Guotai Junan Securities in a research report released on Wednesday.
The significant achievement made by DeepSeek lies in its creation of sophisticated open-source AI models. V3 and R1 , at a significantly lower cost and requiring much less computational power compared to what major technology firms usually need for their large language model (LLM) initiatives.
LLMs are the technological foundation for generative AI services like OpenAI's ChatGPT , Baidu 's Ernie Bot and DeepSeek's namesake chatbot.
Open source provides public accessibility to a software's underlying code, enabling external developers to alter or distribute its blueprint, resolve faulty connections, or enhance its functionalities. Open-source technologies have served as significant figure in China's technology sector In recent decades.
Li Yangwei, an expert in semiconductors and computing systems based in Beijing, stated that "opportunities will emerge over the coming years as RISC-V develops a cohesive and steady software environment."
For Chinese chip creators, RISC-V—the fifth-generation open-standard Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) architecture—has emerged as a feasible option instead of licensed designs. This includes Intel 'Intel's x86, which holds sway over the personal computer market, and that of the British company Arm Holdings 'eponymous architectural style, which sees widespread use as an industry standard.' smartphone sector.
According to XianTue’s product details, the C930 achieved more than 15 points per gigahertz in SPECint2006 benchmark tests, which assess CPU performance. This score indicates that the C930 fulfills the demands of RISC-V systems in high-performance computing tasks.
During the unveiling of the chip last month, Damo stated that their IC design team had enabled support for over 30 percent of high-performance RISC-V processors. Previously, Alibaba’s research division introduced multiple RISC-V processors as part of their XuanTie lineup, such as the C920 released last year and the C910 launched in 2019.
Damo also unveiled plans for new XuanTie processors such as the C908X, R908A, and XL200. Each of these chips has specific purposes: AI acceleration, automotive uses, and high-speed connectivity, respectively.
Prior to Alibaba’s increased emphasis on RISC-V technology, this chip design was primarily favored for lower-tier uses like earbuds and headphones. The use of RISC-V in processors intended for laptops and servers remained minimal.
In the meantime, China is likely to increase its backing for the development of RISC-V semiconductors. According to a previous Reuters article, China intends to provide guidelines aimed at promoting the adoption of open-source RISC-V chip technology across the country—a move that would mark the first such national initiative. The publication suggested that these guidelines might be unveiled later this month, quoting individuals familiar with the situation.
The forecasted global shipment of RISC-V system-on-a-chip units is expected to surge to 16.2 billion by 2030, rising sharply from just 1.3 billion in 2023, potentially generating a market value of $92.7 billion, as indicated in a report published by trade analyst SHD Group.
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