Intel recently launched the latest version of its neuromorphic hardware called Loihi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new release comes with a better processor and some basic computational improvements. However, it also includes some fundamental hardware changes that would allow it to run completely new classes of algorithms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While Loihi remains a research-focused product for the time being, Intel is also launching a compiler that is expected to be more widely distributed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are also some differences that are specific to Loihi’s needs. Intel says it has optimized all the asynchronous hardware, giving Loihi 2 double the power of updating a neuron’s state and increasing the performance of spike generation tenfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the original processor, users were also able to use a bit of mathematics to make this determination. In Loihi 2, they now have access to a simplified programmable pipeline that allows them to make comparisons and control the flow of instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, users are now able to specify these programs down to the per-neuron level, meaning that two adjacent neurons could run completely different software.<\/p>\n\n\n