Tenstorrent Partners with RISC-V for 2nm AI Accelerator, Revolutionizing Edge Computing

Tenstorrent has licensed its RISC-V CPU and AI processor IP to Japan's Leading-edge Semiconductor Technology Center (LSTC) to develop an AI accelerator for edge computing, with the help of Rapidus's 2nm fabrication process.

The collaboration between Tenstorrent, LSTC, and Rapidus represents a pioneering venture into cross-organizational chiplet development within the semiconductor industry.
The edge AI accelerator will incorporate LSTC's AI chiplet along with Tenstorrent's RISC-V and peripheral chiplet technology, harnessing the adaptable and efficient nature of chiplet technology to meet the growing demands of AI applications at the edge.
The collaboration serves as a testament to the technological expertise and innovation driving these organizations, showcasing their commitment to a streamlined business model that delivers design-to-back-end process integration within shorter timeframes.

Tenstorrent has recently inked a deal with Japan’s Leading-edge Semiconductor Technology Center (LSTC) to license its RISC-V CPU and AI processor IP. LSTC plans to leverage this technology to develop an AI accelerator focused on edge computing. What makes this announcement particularly intriguing is the accelerator’s multi-chiplet design, with chiplets manufactured by Rapidus on its 2nm fabrication process and packaged by the same company.

As part of the agreement, Tenstorrent will license its datacenter-grade Ascalon general-purpose processor IP to LSTC and assist in implementing the chiplet using Rapidus’s advanced 2nm fabrication process. The Ascalon CPU design, spearheaded by CPU designer Jim Keller, who has an impressive track record with AMD, Apple, Intel, and Tesla, boasts an eight-wide decoding capability. With six ALUs, two FPUs, and two 256-bit vector units, combined with the 2nm-class process technology, the Ascalon core promises to deliver exceptional performance.

In addition to the general-purpose CPU IP licensing, Tenstorrent will also collaborate on designing a proprietary AI accelerator that aims to redefine AI performance in Japan. This suggests that LSTC intends to develop its own AI accelerator for inference workloads rather than licensing Tenstorrent’s proprietary RISC-V Tensix cores specifically tailored for neural network inference and training.

According to Wei-Han Lien, Chief Architect of Tenstorrent’s RISC-V products, the joint effort between Tenstorrent and LSTC represents a pioneering venture into cross-organizational chiplet development within the semiconductor industry. The edge AI accelerator will incorporate LSTC’s AI chiplet along with Tenstorrent’s RISC-V and peripheral chiplet technology. This strategic approach harnesses the adaptable and efficient nature of chiplet technology to meet the growing demands of AI applications at the edge.

Rapidus, aiming to commence production of chips on its 2nm fabrication process by 2027, may be slightly behind TSMC and Intel in terms of timeline. However, if successful, it will mark a significant milestone for Japan’s semiconductor industry as it strives to reclaim its position among the global leaders.

The collaboration between Tenstorrent, LSTC, and Rapidus to build an edge AI accelerator based on Tenstorrent’s IP and Rapidus’s 2nm-class production node is a significant development for all three companies. It serves as a testament to the technological expertise and innovation driving these organizations.

Atsuyoshi Koike, president and CEO of Rapidus Corporation, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, emphasizing that it evolved from a concluded agreement with Tenstorrent last November. He highlighted their cooperation not only in the front-end process but also in the chiplet back-end process, showcasing their commitment to a streamlined business model that delivers design-to-back-end process integration within shorter timeframes.

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Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is for its semiconductor innovations that power computing and communication devices worldwide. As a pioneer in microprocessor technology, Intel has left an indelible mark on the evolution of computing with its processors that drive everything from PCs to data centers and beyond. With a history of advancements, Intel's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the digital landscape, offering solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve new levels of productivity and connectivity.

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TSMC, or Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, is a semiconductor foundry based in Taiwan. Established in 1987, TSMC is a important player in the global semiconductor industry, specializing in the manufacturing of semiconductor wafers for a wide range of clients, including technology companies and chip designers. The company is known for its semiconductor fabrication processes and plays a critical role in advancing semiconductor technology worldwide.

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chiplet: Chiplets are a new type of technology that is revolutionizing the computer industry. They are small, modular components that can be used to build powerful computing systems. Chiplets are designed to be used in combination with other components, such as processors, memory, and storage, to create a complete system. This allows for more efficient and cost-effective production of computers, as well as more powerful and versatile systems. Chiplets can be used to create powerful gaming PCs, high-end workstations, and even supercomputers. They are also being used in the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications. Chiplets are an exciting new technology that is changing the way we build and use computers.

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chiplets: Chiplets are a new type of technology that is revolutionizing the computer industry. They are small, modular components that can be used to build a variety of computer systems. Chiplets are designed to be highly efficient and cost-effective, allowing for the creation of powerful and complex systems without the need for large, expensive components. They are also highly customizable, allowing for the creation of systems tailored to specific needs. Chiplets are being used in a variety of applications, from high-end gaming PCs to embedded systems and even supercomputers. They are also being used to create powerful AI systems, allowing for the development of more advanced and intelligent machines. Chiplets are revolutionizing the computer industry, allowing for the creation of powerful and efficient systems at a fraction of the cost.

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