Generations of Processors and the Middle Step of Intel to Neuromorphics Era

We started with complex processors, called CISC CPU (complex instruction set computer), which were complex and process complex logics directly but found not efficient.

We then changed to use RISC CPU (reduced instruction set computer), until now, with reduced complexity of the CPU for efficiently. Clock in hertz (Hz) increased higher and higher in the starting era with single core. We are now at multi-core era of CPU, and will reach 3D stacking soon to ensure Moore's Law still correct:

• CISC single core
• -> RISC single core
• -> RISC high frequency
• -> RISC multi-cores
• -> RISC 3d stacking

Later on quantum processors will be the thing but for the present, Intel is making 2 things to the future:

• NPU - Neural Processing Unit
• Loihi - Neuromorphic Processing Unit

While Loihi is still rather experimental, NPU is practical now, the middle step can be seen in NPU. NPU is processing graph (neural network graph).

• NPU - Processes graph of data
• Loihi - Contains true neurons (but still layered).