A new kind of computer chip, unveiled by IBM today, takes design cues from the wrinkled outer layer of the human brain. Though it is no match for a conventional microprocessor at crunching numbers, the chip consumes significantly less power, and is vastly better suited to processing images, sound, and other sensory data.
IBM's SyNapse chip processes information using a network of just over one million "neurons," which communicate with one another using electrical spikes-as actual neurons do. The chip uses the same basic components as today's commercial chips-silicon transistors. But its transistors are configured to mimic the behaviour of both neurons and the connections-synapses-between them.
(Score: 1) by Camembert on Monday August 11 2014, @10:06AM
It would be interesting to tinker with such a chip in a small computer a la raspberry pi. Probably not possible for that price of course. Does IBM plan development boards woth it?