Andes Technology: Powering the Full Spectrum – from Embedded Control to AI and Beyond

As the computing industry seeks more flexible, scalable, and open hardware architectures, RISC-V has emerged as a compelling alternative to proprietary instruction set architectures. At the forefront of this revolution stands Andes Technology, offering a comprehensive lineup of RISC-V processor solutions that go far beyond embedded systems—reaching into the realms of AI, machine learning, high-performance computing, and functional safety.

During the recent Andes RISC-V CON, Dr. Charlie Su, President and CTO and Marc Evans, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Andes Technology talked about the company’s full lineup of RISC-V solutions to handle AI and beyond. The following is an integrated synthesis of their talks.

A RISC-V Product Portfolio That Goes Beyond Embedded

RISC-V is often perceived as best suited for low-power, embedded control applications. Andes is shattering that stereotype with a portfolio that spans from microcontrollers to Linux-capable AI processors. The company offers a comprehensive RISC-V computing stack that spans four key domains: high-performance compute acceleration for AI/ML, ultra-efficient embedded and real-time processing, full-featured application processing with Linux support, and advanced security and functional safety with ISO 26262-certified cores.

Its lineup covers the full computing stack: ultra-compact cores like the D23 and N225 for low-latency, ultra-low power embedded tasks; mid-tier cores in the 25/27 and 40 series for applications requiring a balance of performance and efficiency; and advanced multicore processors like the AX60 and upcoming Cuzco series, which support out-of-order execution, large caches, Linux and AI-intensive workloads.

Driving AI and Compute Acceleration with RISC-V

AI and ML are defining workloads of the next decade. NVIDIA has integrated RISC-V into its deep learning accelerator orchestration, validating the role of RISC-V control processors in managing complex, AI-driven pipelines. And Andes is also ready to support these types of workloads. With its AndesAIRE platform, Andes enables edge and cloud inference engines through vector and matrix processing, neural network SDKs, and custom instruction support.

Using its Automated Custom Extension (ACE) toolchain, customers can create highly specialized instructions to accelerate AI functions like convolution, softmax, and other neural operations. Custom vector and matrix instructions, native support for RISC-V vector extensions (RVV), and end-to-end software stacks empower customers to build tailored AI inference engines directly into their silicon.

Industry giants like Meta are already deploying Andes RISC-V cores in production-scale recommendation systems, a very data and compute-intensive workload.

Real-World Deployment Across Diverse Markets

Beyond AI, Andes processors are finding adoption across a wide range of industries. EdgeQ, an innovator in 5G base station SoCs, uses Andes cores to combine signal processing, AI inference, and control logic in a single chip—a testament to the flexibility of Andes’ ISA extensions and multicore support. Cornami, focused on the cutting edge of fully homomorphic encryption (FHE), relies on Andes processors to meet the performance and latency demands of next-generation security workloads.

In automotive applications, Andes has introduced ISO 26262 ASIL-certified cores like the D23-SE and AX60-SE, supporting functional safety for mission-critical components such as powertrain and chassis controllers. These cores meet the highest safety standards (ASIL-D) and include features like dual-core lockstep and advanced memory protection mechanisms.

Such a wide range of offerings addressing hyperscalers, telecom, industrial, security, and automotive—demonstrates Andes’ reach in delivering silicon-ready, vertically integrated RISC-V solutions.

A RISC-V Powerhouse, Not a Niche Player

Andes Technology has firmly established itself as a key enabler of the RISC-V revolution, demonstrating that the architecture is not just an open alternative, but a world-class computing platform. From wearables and industrial controllers to AI computing and hyperscale deployments, Andes provides the performance, flexibility, and scalability the future demands and is leading the charge into a new era of computing.

With one of the broadest product portfolios in the industry, a powerful suite of development tools, and validation from industry leaders across AI, telecom, and automotive, it has gained a 30% share of the RISC-V market.

To learn more, visit Andes website.

Also Read:

Andes Technology: A RISC-V Powerhouse Driving Innovation in CPU IP

Andes RISC-V CON in Silicon Valley Overview

Webinar: Unlocking Next-Generation Performance for CNNs on RISC-V CPUs