NPU

NPU (Neural Processing Unit)

An NPU, or Neural Processing Unit, is a specialized chip designed to accelerate tasks related to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Unlike a traditional CPU (Central Processing Unit) or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), which handle general-purpose computing and graphics rendering, an NPU is optimized for handling the complex mathematical operations required in neural networks—such as matrix multiplications and parallel computations.

NPUs are particularly useful for tasks like image recognition, natural language processing, speech recognition, real-time translation, and advanced photography features. For example, in modern smartphones, the NPU powers features such as AI-enhanced cameras, face recognition, and battery optimization. By offloading these workloads from the CPU and GPU, the NPU makes devices faster and more energy-efficient.

Tech companies like Huawei (with its Kirin chipsets), Apple (with the Neural Engine in A-series and M-series chips), Qualcomm (AI Engine in Snapdragon processors), and Google (Tensor Processing Units, or TPUs, for cloud AI) all use NPUs or similar AI accelerators.

As AI continues to grow in importance, NPUs are becoming a core part of modern processors, ensuring that devices can handle advanced AI-driven applications efficiently while conserving power.