Chinese Chipmaker Unveils Game-Changing 14nm AI Processor
In an innovative move poised to shake up the global AI market, Intellifusion, a leading Chinese chipmaker, has announced the launch of its new 14nm AI processor. Priced at an astonishingly low $140, this processor claims to deliver AI computational power at a cost 90% lower than traditional GPUs, marking a significant milestone in the industry's relentless pursuit of cost-effective and high-performance AI solutions.
The DeepEyes AI boxes, powered by this groundbreaking technology, promise an impressive performance of 48 TOPS for a mere 1000 yuan (~$140). By leveraging older 14nm node technology and likely an ASIC design, Intellifusion not only positions itself as a formidable competitor in the AI space but also skillfully navigates around the constraints of US sanctions.
Intellifusion's Strategic Product Roadmap
The company's roadmap outlines the release of various AI box versions, each designed to cater to a broad spectrum of performance needs. The initial model, dubbed "Deep Eyes" and equipped with a DeepEdge10Max SoC, is expected to offer 48 TOPS and is slated for a 2024 release. This will be followed by the DeepEdge10Pro offering up to 24 TOPS in the second half of 2024, and the DeepEdge10Ultra, aiming for up to 96 TOPS, anticipated in the first half of 2025.
Competitive Edge and Market Relevance
At the core of Intellifusion's offerings lies the NNP400T neural networking chip, which features a specialized NPU, a 1.8 GHz 2+8 cores RISC CPU, and a GPU capable of reaching up to 800 MHz in the DeepEdge 10 series. This potent combination ensures that Intellifusion remains a competitive force within its market segment.
The industry's growing need for high-performance NPUs in AI PCs — as highlighted by requirements set forth by Microsoft for a baseline of 40 TOPS of NPU performance — underscores the relevance of Intellifusion’s technology. With AI workloads continuously demanding more power, the company’s roadmap positions its products to not only meet but exceed these requirements.
A Vision for Accessible AI
Dr. Chen Ning, chairman of Intellifusion, emphasizes the critical trend towards the adoption of large AI models by companies worldwide and the often-prohibitive costs of training these models. By employing "independent and controllable domestic technology" along with a RISC-V core in its DeepEdge chips, Intellifusion aims to democratize access to advanced AI capabilities, making it a beacon for innovation and inclusivity in the tech landscape.
Intellifusion's strategic maneuver to offer high-performance, cost-effective AI processors using established technology could redefine accessibility and scalability in the AI field, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
Analyst comment
Positive news: Intellifusion, a Chinese chipmaker, unveils a game-changing 14nm AI processor priced at $140, delivering AI computational power at a cost 90% lower than traditional GPUs. This positions Intellifusion as a formidable competitor and allows it to navigate around US sanctions. The company’s strategic product roadmap outlines multiple AI box versions to cater to different performance needs. Intellifusion’s technology meets and exceeds the growing demand for high-performance NPUs in AI PCs. The company’s vision for accessible AI aims to democratize advanced AI capabilities. As an analyst, it is expected that Intellifusion’s high-performance, cost-effective AI processors will redefine accessibility and scalability in the AI field, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
