As we all know, an instruction set is a collection of instructions run by a CPU, which is an interface language between software and hardware. In China, there are currently six major companies (Zhaoxin, Haiguang, Kunpeng, Feiteng, Loongson, Shenwei) have developed their own domestic CPUs and adopted six different instruction sets. The situation of these instruction sets is crucial for us to understand the degree of autonomy and controllability of domestic CPUs.
Among them, Haiguang and Zhaoxin chose the Complex Instruction Set (CISC). Through the acquisition of Taiwan VIA Technology, Zhaoxin inherited the X86 instruction set license it had obtained, so it can freely develop chips based on the x86 instruction set. Similarly, Haiguang has obtained the X86 instruction set and ZEN1 architecture authorized by AMD, and also has the ability to develop independently. It's as if they've got a set of 26 letters, which they can freely combine into words and write essays as they like.
Kunpeng and Feiteng, on the other hand, opted for the Simple Instruction Set (RISC). They are licensed using Arm's V8 architecture, so chips can only be developed based on the V8 architecture. In addition, Kunpeng and Feiteng have also obtained IP licenses for some CPU and GPU cores to increase the functionality and performance of the chips. Simple sets of instructions have less freedom than complex sets of instructions because they can only use the prescribed words that are authorized.
Loongson adopted the MIPS instruction set in the early days, later developed its own Loongisa instruction set, and launched the new LoongArch instruction set last year. This is equivalent to Loongson independently creating a unique set of 26 letters, so that they have more freedom to play in word formation and writing.
Shenwei used the alpha instruction set in the early days and gradually developed the SW64 instruction set. Although Shenwei is inseparable from the alpha instruction set, alpha has long been no entity to operate, so Shenwei still has a high degree of autonomy.
Finally, let's talk about the RISC-V instruction set, which is a completely free and open source instruction set, which is equivalent to exposing 26 letters to everyone. Anyone can develop with the RISC-V instruction set, which means that the RISC-V has a very high degree of freedom.
To sum up, in terms of autonomous controllability, Loongson ranks first, followed by RISC-V, Shenwei and Haiguang. In the field of ARM chips, the degree of freedom is relatively low, after all, ARM only licenses the architecture, and needs to constantly purchase upgraded licenses, which is more expensive, so it faces the risk of supply interruption.
According to the previous introduction of the instruction set adopted by different enterprises, we can further understand the situation of CPU research and development in China. In addition to these six major manufacturers, there are a number of other companies that are also actively investing in R&D. In this market dominated by x86 and arm, Chinese companies are striving to find independent and controllable breakthroughs.
1. Zhaoxin and Haiguang: the leader of complex instruction sets
Zhaoxin and Haiguang are leaders in the research and development of complex instruction sets in China. Through the acquisition of VIA Technology, Zhaoxin inherited the license of x86 instruction set, thus gaining a unique advantage in the field of complex instruction set. Haiguang has obtained the X86 instruction set and ZEN1 architecture authorized by AMD, which makes it have the ability of independent research and development. This allows Zhaoxin and Haiguang to be more free in CPU design and flexibly respond to market demand.
2. Kunpeng and Feiteng: the selection of simple instruction sets
Kunpeng and Feiteng opted for a simple instruction set that is more common in the market. They use the ARM architecture and are licensed for the V8 architecture. This means that Kunpeng and Feiteng can only develop chips based on the V8 architecture, which makes the degree of autonomy and controllability relatively low. However, they have also obtained IP licenses for some CPU and GPU cores to increase the functionality and performance of the chips and thus increase their competitiveness.
3. Loongson, Shenwei: the leader of independent innovation
Loongson and Shenwei are leaders in independent innovation in the field of domestic CPUs. Loongson has realized the replacement of the MIPS instruction set by independently developing the Loongisa instruction set. And last year, the new LoongArch instruction set was introduced, which made the autonomy controllable more prominent. Shenwei has developed the SW64 instruction set, which is inseparable from the alpha instruction set, but still has a high degree of autonomy.
4. RISC-V: The Future of Open Source
As a completely free and open source instruction set, RISC-V instruction set provides a new choice for domestic CPU research and development. Its open-source nature means that anyone can develop based on RISC-V, which provides greater freedom for domestic manufacturers. Therefore, we can expect RISC-V to play a key role in its future development.
Overall, domestic CPU R&D has made great progress, and it is more autonomous and controllable than in the past. Zhaoxin, Haiguang, Kunpeng, Feiteng, Loongson and Shenwei have each demonstrated their own advantages and characteristics in different instruction set selection and authorization methods. RISC-V provides a new open source option for domestic enterprises, providing more possibilities for future development.
Looking back on my personal Xi and work experience, I can't help but be proud of the progress of CPU research and development in China. Autonomy and controllability is a key capability of a country, and making a breakthrough in the field of CPU is of great significance to China's scientific and technological strength and development.
As an editor, in the process of learning about domestic CPU research and development, I deeply felt the power of technological innovation. Different instruction set selection and authorization methods provide enterprises with different degrees of autonomy and control. Among them, Loongson has embodied the spirit and determination of independent innovation through the self-developed Loongarch instruction set. The open-source nature of RISC-V demonstrates the power of cooperation and sharing, providing more possibilities for global technological innovation.
However, we should also be aware of the challenges and shortcomings. Compared with the world's leading manufacturers, there is still a certain gap in the technology of domestic CPUs. In the face of competition and external risks, we need more support and investment to accelerate the pace of technological progress and innovation.
To sum up, I am full of confidence in the development prospects of domestic CPUs. As domestic enterprises continue to increase R&D efforts and investment, I believe that in the near future, we will be able to see more domestic CPU problems with independent controllability. This will further promote China's technological strength and competitive advantage in the field of chips, and achieve the goal of scientific and technological self-reliance.