CEVA has launched a specialised Artificial Intelligence (AI) processor family for deep learning inference at the edge. The NeuPro family of processors is designed for smart and connected edge devices looking to use machine learning at the edge of the network.
NeuPro builds on CEVA’s deep neural network core designs for computer vision applications. Customers are already deploying the CEVA-XM4 and CEVA-XM6 vision platforms along with the CDNN neural network software framework in consumer, surveillance and ADAS products. This new family of dedicated AI processors offers a considerable step-up in performance, ranging from 2 Tera Ops Per Second (TOPS) for the entry-level processor to 12.5 TOPS for the most advanced configuration.
The NeuPro processor line extends the use of AI beyond machine vision to new edge-based applications including natural language processing, real-time translation, authentication, workflow management, and many other learning-based applications that make devices smarter and reduce human involvement.
“It’s abundantly clear that AI applications are trending toward processing at the edge, rather than relying on services from the cloud," said Ilan Yona, vice president and general manager of the Vision Business Unit at CEVA. "The computational power required along with the low power constraints for edge processing, calls for specialised processors rather than using CPUs, GPUs or DSPs. We designed the NeuPro processors to reduce the high barriers-to-entry into the AI space in terms of both architecture and software. Our customers now have an optimized and cost-effective standard AI platform that can be used for a multitude of AI-based workloads and applications.”
The NeuPro architecture is composed of a combination of hardware-based and software-based engines coupled for a complete, scalable and expandable AI solution. Optimizations for power, performance, and area (PPA) are achieved using a precise mix of hardware, software and configurable performance options for each application tier.
The The NeuPro family comprises four AI processors offering different levels of parallel processing:
- NP500 is the smallest, with 512 MAC units for IoT, wearables and cameras
- NP1000 includes 1024 MAC units and targets mid-range smartphones, ADAS, industrial applications and AR/VR headsets
- NP2000 includes 2048 MAC units and targets high-end smartphones, surveillance, robots and drones
- NP4000 includes 4096 MAC units for high-performance edge processing in enterprise surveillance and autonomous driving
The NeuPro family, coupled with CDNN, CEVA’s award winning neural network software framework, provides the ultimate deep learning solution for developers to easily and efficiently generate and port their proprietary neural networks to the processor. CDNN supports the full gamut of layer types and network topologies, enabling fastest time-to-market.
In conjunction with the NeuPro processor line, CEVA will also offer the NeuPro hardware engine as a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) accelerator. When combined with the CEVA-XM4 or CEVA-XM6 vision platforms, this provides a flexible option for customers seeking a single unified platform for imaging, computer vision and neural network workloads.
Availability
NeuPro will be available for licensing to select customers in the second quarter of 2018 and for general licensing in the third quarter of 2018.
www.ceva-dsp.com/product/ceva-neupro/
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