What’s an AI Accelerator Chip and Things You Need to Know?

An Artificial Intelligence chip or AI chip is a hardware component that is used to enhance existing hardware systems that make use of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) systems. Such an AI chip is also known as an AI accelerator chip. This is a technology that aims to find a practical and real-life application of deep learning, machine learning and other AI-based tech. These are significantly more powerful than regular processors.
What is an ANN system?
An Artificial Neural Network or an ANN is an approach to machine learning where the human neural system is approximated by making use of statistical functions. AI can be thought of as the amalgamation between two important fields of study – computer science and statistics. By using this kind of technology, you will be able to bolster the functioning of your existing systems. By analyzing data, ANNs can make accurate predictions.
Performance of AI Accelerator Chips
An AI accelerator chip is significantly higher performing than a regular chip, as has been mentioned previously. In fact, the best AI chips can perform tasks at the rate of 26 tera-ops per second. This metric is far, far more than what you would expect from a normal processor. Why is this so? What is so special about an AI accelerator that it can outperform all other processors easily?
A general purpose chip is unable to handle the large number of simultaneous operations that is usually required by an ANN process. On the other hand, an AI accelerator will be able to handle all of these simultaneous processes with ease. By running a lot of computations in a parallel way, the overall efficiency of the system can be enhanced with great ease. In fact, AI chips are 10 times faster than usual.
Industrial Applications of the AI Chip
Most commercial applications in the world of AI, such as Smart Tech – which is a term used to describe automated systems that can handle major responsibilities on their own. One important application is Industry 4.0, which is a term used to describe the fourth industrial revolution. It is also important to note that industry 4.0 is largely characterized by automation, which would be virtually impossible without using ANNs.
Market for AI Chips
Research conducted by the firm McKinsey has predicted that the global AI applications industry is going to generate more than $6 trillion on an annual basis. In fact, this is one industry where innovation continues to happen at an amazing rate. You will also be surprised to know that AI chips are so novel that there is no fixed architecture. Most AI accelerator chip companies produce using their proprietary design.
Benefits Provided by AI Chips
AI accelerators can be used to take care of various processes which normal processing units wouldn’t be able to do. Here are some of those special features you should know.
● Processing of FHD Video Stream: AI chips can be used to stream and analyze a huge chunk of video data that is FHD in nature. Normal chips would not be able to do this without down-sampling the data. However, AI chips can take care of this without compressing the data.
● Low Power Consumption: AI chips are also capable of doing all of their assigned tasks while consuming a very small amount of power. This is one of the main reasons why AI chips see massive applications in the world of Industry 4.0. As a result, device lifetime is maximized.
● Higher Level of Power Efficiency: Apart from being able to compute more than 26 TOPS, modern AI chips also need to have a high level of power efficiency. Otherwise, they won’t be feasible for industrial use. The best AI chips have a power rating of 3 TOPS per Watt used.
● Cost-Effectiveness and Scalability: For businesses seeking to apply AI to their production or retail processes, cost-effectiveness is a very big consideration. AI chips are not very expensive and can give a very large return on investment as well. They are also a very scalable option that you can adjust accordingly.
All in all, this is all that you need to know about AI accelerators and other associated hardware. By applying this tech in your production or retail floor, you can enhance your bottom line well.