Microchip’s PolarFire SoC Discovery Kit Launched at $132 in 2024

Microchip announced the PolarFire SoC Discovery Kit on February 15, 2024, with a starting price of $132 for the general public and $99 through its Academic Program. Those are launch-era prices, not verified current quotes. The compact development board combines an MPFS095T PolarFire SoC FPGA—featuring a quad-core, 64-bit RISC-V CPU cluster—with 95K FPGA logic elements, and is aimed at learning, software setup, and quick prototypes.

What is the PolarFire SoC Discovery Kit?

It is a development board built around Microchip’s MPFS095T PolarFire SoC FPGA. The chip brings together a quad-core, 64-bit RISC-V application-processor cluster and programmable FPGA logic, allowing a project to combine software running on the processor with hardware implemented in the FPGA fabric. Microchip lists Linux and real-time application support and specifies 95K FPGA logic elements. Microchip’s February 15, 2024 announcement

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		MPFS-Disco-KIT MICROCHIP PolarFire SoC FPGA Discovery Board MPFS095, MCU/MPU SoC Evaluation Kit	$299.99	Buy on Amazon
2		Microchip PolarFire FPGA Development Kit, MPF300-EVAL-KIT, Programmable Logic IC Evaluation Board		Buy on Amazon

The board’s announced connections include a mikroBUS expansion header, a 40-pin Raspberry Pi connector, and a MIPI video connector. It also has an embedded FP5 programmer for FPGA programming and debugging. The launch announcement does not provide a complete in-box inventory or establish compatibility for every third-party expansion accessory.

How much did it cost, and where can you buy it?

Microchip announced a starting price of $132 for the general public and $99 through its Academic Program on February 15, 2024. These are historical announcement prices, not confirmed current prices. The release directs buyers to Microchip sales representatives, authorized worldwide distributors, and Microchip purchasing services; it does not establish present stock, Amazon availability, or current seller pricing. Check an authorized seller for the live price, availability, shipping region, included accessories, and any academic-program eligibility.

#1 Best Overall

MPFS-Disco-KIT MICROCHIP PolarFire SoC FPGA Discovery Board MPFS095, MCU/MPU SoC Evaluation Kit

• EVALUATION BOARD: PolarFire SoC FPGA Discovery Board featuring MPFS095 chip for comprehensive system development and testing
• INTEGRATED SOLUTION: Combines FPGA programmable logic with MCU/MPU SoC capabilities on a single development platform
• DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM: Perfect for prototyping and evaluating PolarFire SoC FPGA-based designs and applications
• VERSATILE ARCHITECTURE: Features both FPGA programmable logic and microprocessor capabilities for flexible system design
• MODEL COMPATIBILITY: Specifically designed for MPFS095 PolarFire SoC FPGA development and testing requirements

$299.99

Buy on Amazon

Can the Discovery Kit run Linux?

Microchip describes the MPFS095T’s RISC-V processor cluster as supporting Linux as well as real-time applications. That makes the board relevant to projects that need an application processor, real-time processing, or a combination of software and FPGA logic. The launch material does not establish which operating-system releases are currently supported, or specify software licensing terms and setup requirements. Check Microchip’s current documentation for those details before choosing a software workflow.

What are its interfaces useful for?

• mikroBUS: Provides an expansion route for compatible Click boards, including potential sensor and interface add-ons. Check the specific board’s electrical and mechanical compatibility before buying.
• 40-pin Raspberry Pi connector: Offers a familiar expansion connection for compatible hardware. The connector alone does not guarantee that every Raspberry Pi HAT will work; verify compatibility for the specific accessory.
• MIPI video connector: Supports video-oriented project connections. The announcement does not specify a full list of compatible displays or cameras.
• Embedded FP5 programmer: Provides an onboard route for FPGA programming and debugging, without requiring a separate programmer as a stated board feature.

How does it compare with the Icicle Kit?

Microchip positions the Discovery Kit as the compact, lower-cost entry point in its PolarFire SoC evaluation-platform range, suited to learning, software setup, and quick prototypes. Its product-family page distinguishes it from more capable platforms by noting its smaller FPGA and lack of PCIe. This is manufacturer positioning, not an independent performance comparison; the available product information does not establish a detailed, side-by-side performance or price comparison with the Icicle Kit. Microchip’s PolarFire SoC FPGA product-family page

For a board choice, compare the demands of the actual project rather than treating the lower-cost positioning as a substitute for a specification check:

Rank #2

Microchip PolarFire FPGA Development Kit, MPF300-EVAL-KIT, Programmable Logic IC Evaluation Board

• DEVELOPMENT KIT: Microchip PolarFire FPGA evaluation board designed for comprehensive testing and development of FPGA applications
• COMPATIBILITY: Features the MPF300 PolarFire FPGA chip, enabling development and testing of custom logic designs and applications
• PLATFORM TYPE: Professional-grade single-board computer platform specifically engineered for FPGA development and prototyping
• FUNCTIONALITY: Supports programming and verification of PolarFire FPGA designs with integrated development tools and interfaces
• APPLICATIONS: Ideal for developing embedded systems, signal processing applications, and custom logic implementations in industrial environments

Buy on Amazon

• Estimate the FPGA capacity your design needs.
• Check whether PCIe or another high-speed interface is required.
• Confirm that the available expansion connections fit the peripherals you plan to use.
• Decide whether the workload needs Linux, real-time processing, or both.
• Compare current total purchase cost, including shipping and any required accessories.

Who is it for?

The kit may suit embedded engineers exploring a RISC-V-and-FPGA design, students learning the platform, or developers building a compact prototype that fits its capacity and connectivity. Microchip’s launch announcement quoted Shakeel Peera, vice president of marketing for its FPGA business unit, describing the board as a low-cost platform for “learning and rapid innovation.” It also quoted Arizona State University professor Steven Osburn on students using the kit through Microchip’s academic program. Those are statements in the company’s announcement, not independent evaluations of the board.

Before committing to a project, consult current product documentation for supported software, licensing, memory configuration, and setup. The launch announcement and product-family page do not establish those details or a complete list of included cables and accessories.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1

MPFS-Disco-KIT MICROCHIP PolarFire SoC FPGA Discovery Board MPFS095, MCU/MPU SoC Evaluation Kit

$299.99

Bestseller No. 2

Microchip PolarFire FPGA Development Kit, MPF300-EVAL-KIT, Programmable Logic IC Evaluation Board

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.