BrainChip Akida (neuromorphic processor)

2022: Start Selling Processor

On January 18, 2022, BrainChip announced the launch of sales of its Akida neural network processor. According to the developers, this product is the first commercial among neuromorphic AI chips that can provide the benefits of ultra-low power consumption and performance over traditional approaches.

As AI has continued to grow over the past few years, artificial intelligence in peripheral computing is expected to occupy most of the market. This is known as artificial intelligence of things. Peripheral computing also results in less delay than sending information to the cloud.

Sales of Akida processors that mimic the work of the human brain began

BrainChip takes a different approach with its first AKD1000 neuromorphic processor. Neuromorphic calculations differ from classical AI approaches, which are based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs), in that they much more accurately mimic the brain using impulse neural networks (SNNs). Although neuromorphic chips are usually still digital, they, in most cases, work on the basis of asynchronous circuits, which means that there is no global synchronization. Depending on the particular application, neuromorphic calculations can be several orders of magnitude faster and require less energy.

The Akida configuration from BrainChip has an event-oriented architecture. It can support built-in learning and deduction, as well as support various touch inputs, such as applications for vision, sound, sense of smell, and intelligent sensor applications.

The AKD1000-based board can be connected to an existing developer system to open up opportunities for a wide range of AI peripheral applications, including Smart City, Smart Health, Smart Home, and Smart Transport. BrainChip will also offer system integrators and developers complete layout files and material specification (BOM) so that they can create their own personal cards and implement AKD1000 chips in large volumes as an independent integrated accelerator or coprocessor.

Starting January 18, BrainChip begins to accept orders for its first commercially available mini PCIe card with the Akida AKD1000 chip at a price of $500. It can be used as an integrated accelerator or coprocessor. BrainChip notes that this completes the AKD1000 product family after the development kits that were introduced in October 2021 for x86 and Arm-based systems.^[1]

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