Press Release
PR2018106

Socionext Develops AI Accelerator Engine Optimized forEdge Computing
Small-sized and Low Power Engine Supports Broad Range of Applications
Yokohama, May 11, 2018 --- Socionext Inc., a leading provider of SoC-based solutions, hasdeveloped a new Neural Network Accelerator (NNA) engine, optimized for AI processing on edge
computing devices. The compact, low power engine has been designed specifically for deep learning
inference processing. When implemented, it can achieve 100x performance boost compared withconventional processors for computer vision processing such as image recognition. Socionext will
start delivering the Software Development Kit for the FPGA implementation of the NNA in the thirdquarter of 2018. The company is also planning to develop its SoC products with the NNA.
Socionext currently provides graphics SoC "SC1810" with a built-in proprietary Vision Processor Unit
compatible with the computer vision API "OpenVX" developed by the Khronos Group, astandardization organization. The NNA has been designed to work as an accelerator to extend thecapability of the VPU. It performs various computer vision processing functions with deep learning, aswell as conventional image recognition, for applications including automotive and digital signage,
delivering higher performance and lower power consumption.
The NNA incorporates the company's proprietary architecture using the quantization technology that
reduces the bits for parameters and activations required for deep learning. The quantization
technology is capable of carrying out massive amounts of computing tasks with less resource, greatly
reducing the data size, and significantly lowering the system memory bandwidth. In addition, thenewly developed on-chip memory circuit design improves the efficiency of computing resource
required for deep learning, enabling optimum performance in a very small package. A VPU equippedwith the new NNA combined with the latest technologies will be able to achieve 100 times fasterprocessing speed in image recognition compared with a conventional VPU.
Socionext will start providing a Software Development Kit for the NNA FPGA implementation in thethird quarter of 2018. The SDK will support TensorFlow as a learning environment and provide
libraries dedicated to the quantization technology and data conversion tool from learned model toinference processing. With the learning environment optimized for NNA, users will be able to build
their models effectively without having the knowledge of model compression or learning tuning
required for deep learning bit reduction. Socionext is planning to offer development environments

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http://socionext.com/en/contact/which can be utilized in a wide range of applications by supporting various deep learning frameworks
enabling the users to develop their deep learning applications.
Socionext is also planning to deliver SoC products which incorporate the NNA. Target applications
include automotive in which high-precision object detection of images captured from car cameras,such as pedestrians and bicycles, can be used for driver assistance or automatic parking. Anotherimportant application is display systems, such as TV and signage, in which the NNA boosts image
recognition for super-resolution processing and helps high definition imaging for 4K / 8K screens.
Socionext will continue to innovate and develop power-efficient, high performance products toaccommodate a wide range of AI applications in various challenging edge computing environments.

Conventional VPU

VPU with NNA
DPA:

Data Parallel Accelerator

HWA:

Hardware Accelerator

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Socionext Inc.
Visual Solution Business Unit
tel: 81-75-778-8011
Inquiry form: www.socionext.com/en/contact
About Socionext Inc.
Socionext is a new, innovative enterprise that designs, develops and delivers System-on-Chip products tocustomers worldwide. The company is focused on imaging, networking, computing and other dynamic
technologies that drive today’s leading-edge applications. Socionext combines world-class expertise, experience,
and an extensive IP portfolio to provide exceptional solutions and ensure a better quality of experience forcustomers. Founded in 2015, Socionext Inc. is headquartered in Yokohama, and has offices in Japan, Asia,United States and Europe to lead its product development and sales activities. For more information, visit
socionext.com.
"Khronos", "OpenVX" are trademarks of Khronos Group Inc.
TensorFlow, the TensorFlow logo and any related marks are trademarks of Google Inc.
All company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respectiveowners.

Information provided in this press release is accurate at time of publication and is subject to change

without advance notice.