Coolchip Microelectronics releases the new generation of ultra-high-definition AI camera chip AR9341, which will be mass-produced in December

At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, Shanghai Coolchip Microelectronics Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Coolchip Microelectronics) grandly released the new generation AI camera chip AR9341.

Shen Bo, Co-founder and CTO of Coolchip Microelectronics

AR9341 is the second-generation ultra-high-definition smart camera chip launched by Coolchip Microelectronics. It has more upgraded functions, mainly including: ISP image processor with 9M@60fps resolution and up to 8 video inputs; 4K@80fps video codec; 4TOPS deep learning processor (NPU); 1GHz high-performance visual DSP processor; 4-core 64-bit CPU @1GHz; 32-bit DDR3/DDR4/LPDDR3 interface, with a maximum bandwidth of up to 12.8GB/S; typical power consumption is <2W (4K AI IPC), <1W (2K AI IPC).

Coolchip has been committed to helping customers solve industry pain points. The AR9341, a high-performance, low-power AI chip, was developed by more than 100 engineers after listening to the needs of many leading customers in the industry and after more than a year of research and development. The AR9341 has three main features and advantages.

First, the ISP has good image quality. AR9341 integrates CoolCore's self-developed second-generation HiFi-ISP, which has excellent noise reduction and wide dynamic performance. In addition to the visible light ISP, it also integrates the function of infrared thermal imaging ISP, which has very wide adaptability. In addition, the ISP can also interact with the AI ​​algorithm and adjust adaptively to further improve the accuracy of the AI ​​algorithm.

Second, the AI ​​computing power is sufficient. AR9341 integrates CoolCore's self-developed deep learning processor (NPU), which has a peak computing power of 4TOPS. Through architectural optimization, the NPU has a high execution efficiency, and the actual computing power is equivalent to 8-10TOPS of competing products. In addition, the NPU also uses many technologies to optimize DDR bandwidth, which can reduce DDR bandwidth by more than 60%, significantly reducing system power consumption and cost.

Third, it adopts heterogeneous computing of CPU+DSP+NPU, taking into account both machine vision and deep learning computing, and has strong adaptability.

In addition to the excellent chip hardware performance, Coolchip also provides one-stop solutions such as software SDK, AI tool chain, and algorithm. The AI ​​tool chain provides a simple and easy-to-use visual graphical interface that supports multiple frameworks such as Pytorch/Tensorflow/Caffe, allowing users to complete the deployment of algorithms to chips in a very short time.

At the press conference, Shen Bo, co-founder and CTO of Coolchip Microelectronics, said, "The market demand for mid-to-high-end smart camera chips is very urgent, and the launch of AR9341 is just in time. The chip is suitable for applications including high-end smart IPC, vehicle-mounted assisted driving, edge computing boxes, smart robots, etc."

When asked about the mass production progress of this chip, Shen Bo said that the engineering samples of AR9341 are expected to be provided in September this year, and mass production will be in December this year.