Artificial intelligence (AI) is making its way in transforming industries and lives at an unprecedented pace. Chips, especially AI chips, are behind these advancements. Whether optimizing data centers or enabling fully autonomous vehicles, leading AI chips unlock the true potential of AI systems.
Then, what are AI chips, and what are AI chips used for? This article will explore artificial intelligence chips comprehensively to help you follow the latest AI chip developments!
What are AI Chips?
AI chips are a general concept for describing chips that are engineered to handle complex computational tasks involved in AI applications. Some chip types that can be considered AI chips are GPUs (graphic processing units), FPGAs (field-programmable gate arrays), and ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits).
These chips are semiconductor devices that feature high integration levels and innovative architecture. For instance, they typically utilize smaller, faster, and more power-efficient transistors. This way, AI chips can process large volumes of data at increased speeds and reduced power consumption.
Additionally, different from general-purpose chips (like CPUs), AI chips are usually optimized for improved computational powers needed in different applications, such as parallel processing for significantly accelerating AI computations.
What are AI Chips Used For?
AI chips are the backbone of many different technology-driven industries. The following are several key applications where AI chips come into play:
Data Centers
AI chips manage massive computational work for cloud platforms and data centers. They accelerate tasks such as real-time data analytics and, therefore, everything from smart search queries to large-scale enterprise data management.
Robotics
Robotics can rely on AI chips for intelligent decision-making and autonomous task execution. In fact, the robotics industry captures the attention of some top AI chip makers. For instance, Nvidia is shifting to robotics to boost its AI chip business.
Autonomous Vehicles
Self-driving cars use AI chips to process vast amounts of real-time data derived from sensors, cameras, and radars, which is important for safe navigation, traffic predictions, and obstacle avoidance.
Edge Devices
Edge devices, including smartphones and IoT systems, can use AI chips for fast and local computation. It reduces latency and maximizes performance without constant reliance on cloud computing.
Medical Healthcare
AI applications in healthcare, from diagnostic imaging to drug discovery, require AI chips for fast and accurate computations. The chips improve patient outcomes by powering innovative healthcare technologies.
List of Top AI Chip Makers
A few innovative companies dominate the AI chip market and are really pushing the boundaries of chip design. Among them, some top players are as follows:
NVIDIA
NVIDIA is arguably the most well-known name in AI chip technology. Its GPUs (graphics processing units), particularly its Tensor Core technology, are extensively used for AI training and deployment in various industries.
AMD
AMD is another strong competitor in the AI chip business, offering high-end chipsets dealing with graphics and AI. For example, the AMD Instinct MI325X accelerator released in October 2024 is designed to boost AI training and inference capabilities.
Intel
Intel also plays a role in AI chip innovation. One of their exceptional offerings is the high-performance, cost-effective Gaudi AI accelerators, among which the Gaudi 3 processor released in April 2024 is the latest version for improved AI training and deployment.
IBM
IBM boosts enterprise-grade AI deployments. At Hot Chips 2024, IBM introduced its new chips, the Telum II processor, equipped with 8 high-performance cores for next-generation enterprise AI computing, and the Spyre accelerator chip.
Cerebras
Established in 2015, Cerebras is an AI startup known for its Wafer-Scale Engine (WSE) series. These chips are ideal for AI applications in scientific and research computing, and the latest version is the WFE-3, announced in March 2024.
Finding the Right AI Chips: A Daunting Task
Despite the exciting prospects of AI chips, there could be challenges when accessing artificial intelligence chips.
For instance, the supply chain issue is realistic given the fact that a few companies monopolize certain AI chip manufacturing technology. Their limited production capacity may result in shortages of specific AI chips. The good news is that more and more AI chip makers are entering the AI chip business landscape, aiming to reduce dependence on specific brands.
Furthermore, the bigger and more powerful AI models require sophisticated chips to handle demanding computational tasks. However, the improvements in AI chip technology may fail to keep up with the growing demands of advanced AI applications.
Therefore, you will need a partner who can access multiple industry-leading AI chip makers to have the needed artificial chips. Additionally, it should be a reliable distributor or supplier that can ensure component authenticity. Otherwise, there could be potential issues for your system’s performance and longevity in the long run.
Get AI Chips from a Reliable Distributor/Supplier
Choosing a trustworthy electronic component distributor requires careful consideration. They should be able to access what you need, be it hard to find or in shortage, quickly and, much better, at a cost-effective price. This requires rich expertise in component distribution services and a broad supply network.
UniBetter does a great job in this field. With a global supplier network of more than 7000, UniBetter helps its clients source different chips at competitive prices. Additionally, equipped with over 15 years of industry experience, UniBetter is renowned for offering responsive and professional turnkey services to 3000+ clients, from automation to communication networks. In the AI area, this brand excels at distributing AI chips like FPGAs and other essential electronic components, including different memory chips like DDR SDRAM and GDDR modules.
Component quality is not your concern there, as UniBetter procures chips from franchised sources. Furthermore, it has a proprietary CSD—Comprehensive, Standardized, and Developing—quality management system to ensure authenticity in each component.
For your AI chip needs, it’s worth considering collaborating with a leading electronic component distributor like UniBetter, with its solid strengths.
Conclusion
What are AI chips? These are semiconductor chips that are fundamental in the future technological landscape. They can be hard to get due to manufacturing complexity and supply chain bottlenecks. This calls for a distributor/supplier who can access leading AI chip makers and has established a seamless supply chain.
Plus, you will need a large volume of other electronic components to support your system’s working. Things will be easier if you collaborate with a partner with rich component distribution expertise, as it is qualified to provide your professionally tailored solutions.
Then, why not contact UniBetter today if you are having any troubles? This electronic part distributor may have a helpful turnkey solution for you!