BrainChip IP core approach targets massive low-power opportunity

BrainChip has announced what it claims is the lowest-power AI acceleration co-processor. Called the Akida Pico, the second generation design represents something of a pivot for BrainChip, where the focus is now on adding these IP cores to chips designed by other firms. Wireless Watch spoke to BrainChip CMO Steve Brightfield, to learn more about the rejig. Brightfield recently joined BrainChip and spent time at Qualcomm when the firm was designing 3G and 4G baseband silicon – a business that Qualcomm eventually exited, despite enjoying something like a 90% gross margin. “The neuromorphic (brain-like) messaging can put engineers off, and it does require a different look at AI. Most engineers are used to the classical AI approach, so, you explain…