FROM EDN EUROPE: Parallel architecture tames nonlinear problems
By Graham Prophet -- EDN, January 10, 2002
The VindAX processor architecture from Axeon provides a scalable way of dealing with nonlinear-control problems. Axeon based the architecture on neural-network principles but hides these aspects of its operation from users. You use the device as a memory-mapped peripheral within an embedded system.
It comprises an array of processing elements and an array controller. The array operates in SIMD (single-instruction-multiple-data) mode with local variable storage. The processing elements are opti- mised to the learning algorithm you employ.
Like other neural-net-based devices, the VindAX has a learning mode in which it accesses many examples of the correct stimulus and response of the system it will control. In its operating mode, it then implements the correct response without requiring a designer to describe that response algorithmically.
According to Neil Light-owler, chief technical officer of Axeon, previous attempts to implement neural-net-based devices have been complex to use. VindAX's software, on the other hand, hides that complexity from the user, and its use of modern semiconductor processes allow a truly parallel architecture that is dense enough to apply the power you need to the processing problem. Implementations range from 16 to 1024 processing elements. Also, the array allows low-power operation, because only those RISC elements that are performing a computation are active; hence all elements may not be operating at once.
The array controller implements the learning algorithm in learning mode and controls the instruction stream to the array in operating mode. You can also operate the architecture in adaptive, or continuously updated learn/operate, mode. You can adapt VindAX to an application, delivered as semiconductor IP (intellectual property) in synthesisable VHDL for incorporation into a system-level chip. A full tool chain, including synthesis and test scripts, supports the IP integration. You can also obtain VindAX as stand-alone silicon in a preset configuration. The accompanying development software sets key device parameters.
Although you can apply VindAX to a range of nonlinear problems, Axeon is focusing on the automotive market and in Europe has a marketing arrangement with Sumitomo to access that sector.
Axeon, +44 1224 338383, www.axeon.com.
