Intel Plans to Incorporate VPU - ASIC for AI Acceleration in Meteor Lake Processing Unit

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With leaked details from the Linux operating system driver, Intel has silently affirmed the presence of VPU in the 14th-generation processor - Meteor Lake. VPU, also known as Versatile Processing Unit, is an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) - a specialized integrated circuit designed to accelerate AI inference for deep learning applications, akin to NVIDIA's Tensor Core.

There are two types of AI tasks: training and inference. During AI training, large datasets are utilized to develop AI with specific features, essentially teaching AI to master and autonomously perform a specific task. In contrast, AI inference applies trained models to unlabeled data for computation and result generation. AI inference is a critical component in all current AI application workflows. As the technology sector increasingly focuses on artificial intelligence algorithms, Intel's integration of VPU into processing units not only meets user demands but also supports developers.

Intel's VPU stems from the acquisition of Movidius - a chip manufacturer specializing in system integration and vision processing - six years ago. The VPU developed by Movidius at that time was groundbreaking, delivering remarkable performance per watt. Movidius' specialized architecture boasts up to 4 TOPS with just 1.5 W power consumption - an energy efficiency level that other companies in the industry can only dream of, including NVIDIA. After six years of continuous development, it remains uncertain what surprises the VPU in Meteor Lake will bring. With two generations of processors before the release of Meteor Lake, and initial information suggesting that VPU only existed in CPUs for end users, Intel's potential integration into server processors remains a mystery.Intel's VPU will include a memory management unit (used for translating VPU data and transferring it to DMA addresses), a RISC-based microcontroller, a Neural Compute Subsystem for auxiliary neural computations, and a Network on Chip. The current VPU core has a driver containing 8500 lines of code, while the firmware is closed-source.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of the Versatile Processing Unit in Intel's 14th-generation Meteor Lake processor?

The Versatile Processing Unit (VPU) in Intel's Meteor Lake processor is designed to accelerate AI inference for deep learning applications. This specialized ASIC optimizes the performance of AI tasks, particularly in applying trained models to generate results from unlabeled data, making it essential for current AI workflows.

How does Intel's VPU compare to NVIDIA's Tensor Core in terms of functionality?

Intel's VPU and NVIDIA's Tensor Core both serve to enhance AI processing, but they focus on different aspects. The VPU accelerates AI inference tasks, enabling faster and more efficient computations, while Tensor Core is optimized for both training and inference, offering versatile AI capabilities tailored for deep learning.

What energy efficiency level does Movidius' architecture achieve in AI processing?

Movidius' architecture, which contributes to the development of Intel's VPU, boasts impressive energy efficiency, delivering up to 4 TOPS with just 1.5 W power consumption. This level of efficiency sets a benchmark in the industry, highlighting Movidius' innovation in low-power AI processing.

Will the VPU be integrated into server processors in future Intel generations?

It remains uncertain whether Intel will integrate the VPU into server processors in future generations. While current information suggests its use in consumer CPUs, the potential for server application is still a mystery, leaving room for speculation and future developments.