Google teams up with MediaTek for next-Gen AI TPU chip, dropping broadcom | Cpu vs gpu vs ram | Types of hardware | Computer hardware | Turtles AI

 Google is partnering with MediaTek to develop the seventh generation of its Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), with the goal of reducing costs and increasing efficiency. This move marks a change from the previous exclusive partnership with Broadcom.

Key points:

• New partnership: Google collaborates with MediaTek to design seventh-generation TPUs.
• Strategic Goals: Reduced manufacturing costs and increased operational efficiency.
• Continuity with Broadcom: Despite new partnership, Google maintains relationship with Broadcom for other projects.
• Timeline: The new TPUs will go into production next year.

Google has chosen to partner with MediaTek for the design of the seventh generation of its Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), marking a significant shift from the previous exclusive collaboration with Broadcom. This decision is motivated by a desire to reduce manufacturing costs and improve operational efficiency. MediaTek, due to its strong relationship with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), is able to offer cheaper solutions than Broadcom. According to a Reuters report, Google spent between $6 billion and $9 billion on TPUs last year, and even a small reduction in cost per chip could translate into significant savings. 

TPUs are integrated circuits specifically designed to accelerate machine learning operations, particularly those related to neural networks. Optimized for Google’s TensorFlow framework, these units improve both training and inference processes, efficiently handling the high computational demands of deep learning models. The sixth generation of TPUs, called Trillium, offered a four-fold performance increase in training and a three-fold performance increase in inference over the previous generation. 

The collaboration with MediaTek could also give Google greater control over the TPU architecture, reducing dependence on third-party solutions such as NVIDIA. This strategic approach aims to strengthen Google’s AI infrastructure, making it more self-sufficient and competitive in the industry. Despite the new partnership, Google will continue to work with Broadcom on other projects, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition in operations.

The new seventh-generation TPUs are scheduled to enter production next year, marking another step forward in the evolution of Google’s AI capabilities.

This strategic move highlights Google’s commitment to continuously improve its AI technologies while seeking operational efficiencies and cost reductions through targeted partnerships.