# European Processor Initiative

> european processor project

**Wikidata**: [Q97174994](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q97174994)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Processor_Initiative)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/european-processor-initiative

## Summary
The European Processor Initiative (EPI) is a European project dedicated to the development of a new generation of microprocessors. It is classified as a system on a chip (SoC) initiative and is designed to operate on the Linux platform. The project utilizes a hybrid architecture incorporating both AArch64 and RISC-V instruction sets.

## Key Facts
- **Also Known As**: EPI
- **Instance of**: System on a chip
- **Supported Platforms**: Linux
- **Instruction Set Architectures**: AArch64, RISC-V
- **Key Developers**: Atos SE, Groupe Bull, Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Infineon Technologies, STMicroelectronics, Barcelona Supercomputing Center
- **Website**: https://www.european-processor-initiative.eu/
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/11j6jvqzy2
- **Wikipedia Presence**: Available in 6 languages (ar, ca, en, fr, it, oc)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the European Processor Initiative?
A: The European Processor Initiative (EPI) is a project focused on designing and implementing a new system on a chip. It aims to establish a European roadmap for industrial independence in high-end processor technology.

### Q: Which instruction set architectures does the EPI use?
A: The initiative utilizes two primary instruction set architectures: AArch64 and RISC-V. This dual approach allows for versatility in processing functions.

### Q: Who are the main developers behind the EPI project?
A: The project involves a consortium of developers, including Atos SE, Groupe Bull, the Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, Infineon Technologies, STMicroelectronics, and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, among others.

## Why It Matters
The European Processor Initiative represents a strategic effort to secure technological sovereignty for Europe in the field of high-performance computing and hardware design. By developing a custom system on a chip (SoC) rather than relying solely on external commercial providers, the initiative addresses the critical need for independent supply chains and specialized hardware capabilities within the European Union.

The project is significant for its adoption of the open-standard RISC-V architecture alongside the established AArch64 architecture, positioning Europe at the forefront of open-source hardware innovation. This approach facilitates greater customization and security for scientific and industrial applications. Furthermore, the collaboration between industry giants like Atos and STMicroelectronics and research centers like the Barcelona Supercomputing Center ensures that the resulting technology is tailored for cutting-edge supercomputing demands. This initiative lays the groundwork for future exascale computing in Europe, reducing dependency on foreign technology while fostering local expertise in semiconductor design.

## Notable For
- **Technological Sovereignty**: A primary project aimed at reducing Europe's reliance on non-European microprocessor technologies.
- **Dual Architecture Design**: Distinctive implementation of both AArch64 and RISC-V instruction sets within a single initiative.
- **High-Profile Consortium**: Collaboration between major industrial entities (Atos, Infineon, STMicroelectronics) and leading research organizations.
- **System on a Chip Classification**: Focused specifically on integrated circuit design that consolidates system functions onto a single chip.

## Body
### Technical Architecture
The European Processor Initiative is defined technically as a **system on a chip (SoC)**. This classification indicates the integration of various computer components onto a single integrated circuit. The project supports the **Linux** platform.

The processor design employs two distinct instruction set architectures:
*   **AArch64**: The 64-bit extension of the ARM architecture.
*   **RISC-V**: An open standard architecture for computer processors.

### Developer Consortium
The EPI is a collaborative effort involving a diverse group of technology companies and research institutions. Key developers listed in the project structure include:
*   **Atos SE** and its subsidiary **Groupe Bull**
*   **Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA)**
*   **Infineon Technologies**
*   **STMicroelectronics**
*   **Barcelona Supercomputing Center**

### Project Identity
*   **Aliases**: The project is widely abbreviated as **EPI**.
*   **Online Presence**: The official project information is hosted at `https://www.european-processor-initiative.eu/`.
*   **Knowledge Base Data**: The entity is tracked in the Google Knowledge Graph with the ID `/g/11j6jvqzy2` and has a presence on Wikipedia across six languages (English, French, Italian, Catalan, Arabic, and Occitan).