Archive : 6 January 2015 год

Nvidia has launched Tegra X1, a mobile 'super chip' offering a processing performance of more than 1Tflop. According to the developer, X1 provides twice the processing power of its predecessor, the Tegra K1, and will be targeted at embedded products, mobile devices, autonomous machines and automotive applications. 

Based on Nvidia's Maxwell architecture, the X1 chip features 256 GPU cores, as well as four ARM Cortex-A57 cores and four Cortex-A53 cores. The Maxwell GPU in Tegra X1contains two streaming multiprocessors (SM), each of which consists of 128 CUDA cores, as well as texture units and a Polymorph engine. 

The chip, made on a 20nm process. is said to be capable of handling 60frame/s of 4K video or 1.3 Gpixel of camera throughput. 
"We see a future of autonomous cars, robots and drones that see and learn, with seeming intelligence that is hard to imagine," said CEO Jen-Hsun Huang. "They will make possible safer driving, more secure cities and great conveniences for all of us. 

"To achieve this dream, enormous advances in visual and parallel computing are required. The Tegra X1 mobile super chip … is a giant step into this revolution." 

According to Nvidia, the Tegra X1 has more power than ASCI Red, the fastest supercomputer of 15 years ago. The first teraflop computer, ASCI Red occupied consumed 500kW and required 1600sq ft. By comparison, Tegra X1 draws less than 10W.

Author
Graham Pitcher

Source:  www.newelectronics.co.uk

BMW has shown what it says is an 'ultra modern' key fob at CES. The device, designed for use with its i8 hybrid sports car, not only enables keyless entry to the car, it also displays vehicle status information on its 2.2in LCD. This, says BMW, could include fuel level or battery range. 

The display, powered by a Li-ion battery, has the same resolution as a smartphone and can be recharged inductively inside the vehicle or via a micro USB port. Smart energy management is said to ensure the key can be used for at least three months without charging. 

Swiping the touchscreen with the same gestures used to control a smartphone opens up submenus, which show whether the doors and windows are locked or if a service is due. 

Because data is transmitted to the key fob using the same radio signal used for remote access, the information can be updated if the vehicle is within radio range of the key.

Author
Graham Pitcher

Source:  www.newelectronics.co.uk

Intel has launched a raft of 14nm processors at CES, with the devices targeted at PCs and tablets.The roll out of 5th Generation Intel Core technology includes 10 processors with Intel HD Graphics consuming 15W and four 28W products with Intel's Iris Graphics. Intel also announced that it is shipping 14nm processors for tablets. The SoCs, previously called 'Cherry Trail', are said to offer 64bit computing and improved graphics performance from Intel Generation 8-LP graphics, as well as better battery life for mainstream tablets. 

The 5th Generation Intel Core processors use 14nm process technology to improve upon the previous generation Intel Core processors, featuring 35% more transistors on a die which is 37% smaller. 

According to Intel, the new process, combined with architectural enhancements, enables the new processors to deliver up to 24% better graphics performance, up to 50% faster video conversion and battery life that is up to 1.5 hours longer.

Author
Graham Pitcher

Source:  www.newelectronics.co.uk