Open Source Summit + ELC Europe 2019

In Modern SoC, the inter-processor communication becomes a key element in the product conception, but its implementation depends on selected HW architecture as it could be based on:
- a shared memory for SoC integrating multi-processors
- serial links (UART, I2C, SPI…) in case of independent devices.

Product design can embed any of these solutions and can have to migrate from one to the other according technology evolution. This implies inter-processor communication redesign. To simplify and accelerate this porting, STMicroelectronics proposes to extend RPMsg protocol to unify internal and external coprocessors communication:
- A virtual serial link (TTY, I2C, SPI) on the top of current RSPMG, for internal SoC coprocessor control, similar to a standard HW link used to connect external devices
- RPMsg protocol (and associated features) on the top of HW serial link to unify external coprocessor service management with existing solution used for internal coprocessor.