Neural Processing Unit (NPU)

10-05-2024

Neural Processing Unit (NPU)

   Why in the news?                          

Recently, Apple debuted the M4 chip with the iPad Pro and the most prominent change in this chip is the 16-core Neural Engine, which is Apple’s term for Neural Processing Unit (NPU).

About Neural Processing Unit (NPU):

• It is a dedicated processor designed specifically for accelerating neural network processes.
• A neural network is essentially a type of machine learning algorithm that mimics the human brain for processing data.
• It is highly capable for handling machine learning operations that form the basis for AI-related tasks, such as speech recognition, natural language processing, photo or video editing processes like object detection, and more.
• In most consumer-facing gadgets such as smartphones, laptops and tablets, the NPU is integrated within the main processor, adopting a System-on-Chip (SoC) configuration.

How is NPU different from the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

• CPUs employ a sequential computing method, issuing one instruction at a time, with subsequent instructions awaiting the completion of their predecessors.
• In contrast, NPU harnesses parallel computing to simultaneously execute numerous calculations. This parallel computing approach results in swifter and more efficient processing.
• NPU is also able to learn based on accumulated data in order to deduce optimal solutions.

                                                      Source: Business standard

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I

 Neural Processing Unit (NPU) is a dedicated processor that mimics the human brain for processing data.

Statement-II

It harnesses parallel computing to execute numerous calculations.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

A.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

C.Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

D.Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

Answer A