沁恒青稞RISC-V，国产芯片的“慢”与“快”

Core Viewpoint - The semiconductor industry faces high barriers to entry, significant investment, and long R&D cycles. Companies often choose between quickly launching products based on mature foreign technologies or investing more in R&D for independent innovation. Qinheng Microelectronics has opted for a slower, more deliberate approach, focusing on foundational IP development before chip production, reflecting a strategic wisdom of "slow for fast" in domestic chip innovation [1][3][10]. Group 1: Long-term Strategy - Qinheng has been dedicated to foundational technology research, developing its self-researched Qinkai RISC-V processor IP since 2018, with USB interface IP development taking even longer. This deep and steady approach has allowed Qinheng to master core technologies in MCU and interface chips, ensuring technological independence, supply chain security, and rapid market response [3][5]. - The Qinkai series has expanded from low-power small cores to high-performance large cores, achieving over a billion units in sales in recent years, indicating a shift to a faster growth trajectory [3][5]. Group 2: Performance and Product Development - The focus on core IP development has led to significant product performance improvements. The Qinkai V5F processor has achieved a performance of 5.73 CoreMark/MHz, surpassing Arm's high-end M7 processor. The integration of Qinkai processors with self-developed high-speed USB, Ethernet, and Bluetooth technologies has resulted in a diverse range of low-power, high-functionality MCU/SoC products [5][9]. - Qinheng has introduced the "RISC-V full family bucket," which includes a vertical chain from core IP to chips and tools, significantly lowering the technical barriers for developers transitioning to RISC-V and accelerating time-to-market for end products [7][9]. Group 3: Market Impact and Future Outlook - Qinheng's success with the Qinkai RISC-V has challenged the notion that fully independent technology cannot be profitable, demonstrating that strong technical capabilities can translate into product features and market competitiveness. This approach fosters a virtuous cycle of business growth and technological innovation [9][10]. - The current landscape positions RISC-V as a strategic pillar for China in mastering core processor technologies. The "slow for fast, foundational first" development model is crucial not only for individual companies but also for the sustainable growth of the entire Chinese semiconductor industry [10].