As the European cloud and edge computing markets rapidly expand, the HIGHER project is building the foundation for a truly European, open-source server infrastructure. At the heart of this hardware and software revolution is Semidynamics Technology Services SL (SMD), a Barcelona-based technology provider bringing world-class expertise in RISC-V processor design
and high-speed hardware architecture to the consortium.
Building on its core development roles in previous flagship European initiatives like the European Processor Initiative (EPI) and EUPILOT, Semidynamics is driving critical hardware and firmware innovations within the HIGHER project.
The EPAC/EUPilot-based Processor Module
A major pillar of Semidynamics’ contribution is its leadership in developing the EPAC/EUPILOT-based Processor Module. This involves:
- OCP Standardization: Designing the module to comply with Open Compute Project (OCP) standards, specifically targeting either the Full Width HPM Form Factor (M-FLW), the Partial Width Density Optimized HPM Form (M-DNO), or the OCP OAI Specification.
- Advanced RISC-V Cores: The processor chips hosted on these modules are built upon the Atrevido core, a 3-wide out-of-order RV64GCV RISC-V core developed by Semidynamics for the EPI and EUPilot projects.
- Socket-Based Architecture: Working alongside project partners to establish a unified European open standard for processor sockets, ensuring seamless upgrades and interoperability among different EU-made processors.
Bridging Hardware and System Software
A high-performance processor module requires a robust, secure software foundation to operate efficiently in cloud and edge environments. Within the Firmware and System Software layer, Semidynamics is co-developing the RISC-V secure boot and Operating System support alongside FORTH.
This work includes:
- Developing and validating two boot-loader stages for the RISC-V Data Center Host Processor Module (DC-HPM).
- Adapting the RISC-V Open Source Supervisor Binary Interface (OpenSBI).
- Ensuring the boot sequence relies securely on Root-of-Trust services made available by the Data Center Secure Control Module (DC-SCM).
Contributing to Architecture and Management Modules
Semidynamics is also deeply involved in the foundational architectural specifications of the HIGHER platforms, focusing particularly on the DC-SCM and OCP-NIC components. Furthermore, SMD contributes to the development of the DC-SCM Management Module and Firmware, helping to adapt OpenBMC firmware to ensure proper integration with the Satellite Controller software running on the processor modules.
Impact
By taking full advantage of the Open Compute Platform standards developed during the project, Semidynamics plans to leverage these efforts by re-using the developed DC-SCM board and the Host Performance Module (HPM) designs in future OCP-compatible platforms powered by SMD Intellectual Property.
Through its pioneering technical contributions in HIGHER, Semidynamics is not just advancing RISC-V capabilities; it is actively shaping the future of European
digital autonomy in the cloud-edge continuum.