Stewart Bell

Socionext

Beyond 100TOPS/W : The next generation of Edge AI SoC for Smart Devices

Abstract

Our company develops custom system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for smart devices, with a particular focus on the market for AI-powered edge devices. In recent years, AI functionality has been integrated not only into data centers but also into consumer devices such as PCs, tablets, and smartphones, driving demand for higher performance and lower power consumption. The performance of AI-equipped edge devices is diverging into two categories: below 5 TOPS and above 50 TOPS. In consumer devices, improving performance per watt (TOPS/W) is a critical challenge. Currently, the TOPS/W of AI-powered edge devices typically falls below 50 TOPS/W, but in the future, an extremely high efficiency of 100 TOPS/W is expected to become the standard.

To achieve this ambitious target, our company is working on innovations in memory, clock management, and thermal solutions while also proposing an integration-based design approach to overcome the limitations of modular design. Furthermore, as AI evolves and semiconductor miniaturization advances, traditional computer architectures are beginning to show signs of change, making the role of custom SoCs increasingly vital. Moving forward, we anticipate accelerated AI adoption in various devices, including wearable gadgets such as AR/VR headsets and smartwatches, IT devices like smartphones, tablets, and PCs, and infrastructure terminals such as smart meters. To meet the growing market demands, we are committed to providing cutting-edge technology solutions.

Biography

Stewart as Director for Solution SoC at Socionext Europe, is passionate about leveraging the company’s semiconductor expertise and Solution SoC business model to drive innovation and differentiation in networking, industrial, and automotive applications. With an early career as an engineer designing advanced electronic systems, semiconductor devices and software for marine, industrial, digital broadcast, and automotive applications, Stewart brings a wealth of hands-on experience. Over the past 25 years, he has held leadership roles in the semiconductor industry, spanning engineering management, marketing, and commercial operations.

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