Worlds Smallest GPU Launched

Japanese Digital Media Professionals Inc (DMP) has launched what they call the “world’s smallest GPU IP core”. It is called the ultra-small GPU IP core, or ‘ant’ for short. With a surface area of only 0.5 mm², wearables and Internet of Things devices (IoT) are just the right product groups to target.

DMP is a company unknown to most, but many will undoubtedly have used a product or two with their chips inside. They have a long established track record in 2D and 3D visuals, specialising in the embedded and automotive markets. But it has also made GPUs for consumer products, like the popular Nintendo 3DS handheld console. The 3DS is powered by a DMP PICA200 GPU and so are several digital cameras.

The new ant chip is however intended for even smaller devices then handheld consoles or cameras. It’s believed to become a key component in the wearables and IoT markets that everyone expects to be huge in the near future. The size is perfect to supply the graphic power for small displays such as those build into smart glasses, smart watched and other small body-devices. The GPU is optimised for rendering of characters, numerals, figures and forms used in overlay-graphic-information systems.

“Size and power are the most important factors in incorporating a GPU into the small display with touch panel. The ‘ant’ is capable of achieving the lowest power consumption yet providing a rich UI experience.” said Tatsuo Yamamoto, President and CEO at DMP, “We see the miniaturization of GPUs as a key driver of the small display with rich user interface such as wearables and IoT devices.”

We should hear more about the specifications of the ultra-small GPU IP core at the Computer Vision Seminar later this month.

Thank you DMF for providing us with this information.

Images courtesy of DMF.