2.4. The Emergence of Specialized AI Hardware: TPUs, FPGAs, and ASICs (2010s - Present)

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does TPU stand for?

   Hint

   Think about Google's development in AI.

2. 2.

   What is an FPGA?

   Hint

   Focus on flexibility and customization.

3. 3.

   What does TPU stand for?

   • Tensor Processing Unit
   • Tactical Processing Unit
   • Technical Performance Unit

   Hint

   Remember it is closely associated with Google's AI advancement.

4. 4.

   True or False: ASICs are general-purpose chips designed for multiple applications.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about their optimized design for speed and efficiency.

5. 5.

   Analyze a scenario where a tech company needs rapid changes in AI models. Which hardware solution—TPUs, FPGAs, or ASICs—would be most suitable and why?

   Hint

   Think about the need for adaptability in rapidly changing environments.

6. 6.

   Evaluate the potential power efficiency implications of transitioning from general-purpose graphics cards to specialized ASICs in a large data center.

   Hint

   Consider how efficiency in design translates to energy savings.