STC Modul released a neurocomputer for the implementation of artificial intelligence on an ordinary PC

Russian Scientific and Technical Center (STC) "Module", known as a developer and manufacturer of advanced microelectronics and neuroprocessors, in 2020 released a new development - a compact neural network calculator NM Stick, which can be plugged into a standard USB-connector of a computer.

"The NM Stick compact computational module is a special computational module that plugs into the USB connector of a computer. The module is effective for implementing neural networks, solving problems of digital signal and image processing," the company explained.

Module has been implemented on the basis of system-on-chip (SoC) K1879VM6Ya comprising two tensor cores NeuroMatrix® NMC 4 - original computing architecture of NTC "Module". Each core includes a RISC processor and a vector coprocessor. The first 64-bit co-processor is intended to perform vector-matrix operations on integer data of variable length from 1 to 64 bits. The second 64-bit coprocessor is designed for floating-point vector operations.

The module placed in a plastic or metal case weighing not more than 100 g contains 512 mb of DDR2 memory and USB 2.0 HS interface. The maximum power consumption of the module is less than 4 W, the typical power consumption is 2 W.

As noted in the company, NM Stick, in addition to digital image and signal processing, can also be applied in the field of artificial intelligence, high performance computing systems, machine vision systems, robotics, telecommunications and communications systems, process automation in manufacturing, education.

Developments of Modul Scientific and Technical Center

Module is engaged in developing and designing a wide range of high-performance processor cores and analog-to-digital systems-on-chip - from SF-blocks and systems-on-chip, including analog-to-digital ones, to creating embedded computing systems, radio-electronic devices and software-hardware complexes for processing large data flows.

Our research and development center manufactures hardware and software solutions in the field of neural networks, including video and image processing, navigation, communication, detection and recognition of objects based on various signals. In addition to that, "Modul" is engaged in contract research and development activities.

At the end of the 1990-s, STC "Module" became the first and the only enterprise in Russia working with neural networks, both hardware and software. The enterprise offers a complete platform for artificial intelligence systems on the domestic component base. There are over 60 SF-blocks in the ready-to-use developments of the STC "Module", many of them appeared in the course of work on the project for digital TV. Some advanced solutions are used from leading IP suppliers, such as ARM, Silicon Image, Aeroflex Gaisler, Takumi, Chips&Media, Aragio, NorthWest Logic, Innosilicon, IBM.

Hardware and software systems for solving monitoring and security tasks in smart city systems, face recognition, neural network applications for medicine, automotive industry and so on are developed on the basis of NTC Modul microchips. Since the creation of the first Russian processor for artificial intelligence based on the NeuroMatrix core, STC Module has produced eight generations of processors and four generations of cores for this area. Two fourth-generation cores - 1879VM6Ya and 1879VM8Ya - are the only Russian neuroprocessors that have already found their application in Russia.

Developments of STC "Modul" are in demand on the international industry market. For example, NF units for various purposes are in steady demand among foreign customers from China, Malaysia, South Korea, India and the European Union. Cooperation options in the field of artificial intelligence with foreign partners from such countries as China, India and Malaysia are being actively studied. The company's artificial intelligence solutions are of interest, including in Europe.

About Company

Scientific-Technical Center "Modul" was founded in 1990. For about 30 years the company has been engaged in development of the advanced microprocessor technology, including implementation of neurocomputing.

Nowadays, thanks to highly-qualified employees and up-to-date equipment, STC "Module" develops and manufactures hardware and software solutions in the field of neural networks, including those in video and image processing, navigation, communication, detection and recognition of objects by different signals, is contractually engaged in research and development.

Among other things, STC "Module" implements its own university program aimed at introduction of advanced Russian digital signal processing technologies into the education and training of engineering personnel.