Microsoft reported that to perform certain tasks better suited specialized accelerators. This is especially justified for the data center, as custom chip (ASIC) are produced in relatively small batches. To reduce costs, instead of ASIC you can use the programmable FPGA's. At a certain speed reduction savings will be very visible and, in addition, the matrix allow reprogramming.
Microsoft is studying closely FPGA-matrix capabilities to accelerate server applications since 2011. The project is code-named "Project Catapult". Two years ago, the company conducted a series of experiments, during which 40 time were able to accelerate the work of search engine Bing. In general, Microsoft said an increase in productivity on the FPGA algorithms on the order of magnitude compared with running those same applications on conventional server processors. Thus the cost of the platform becomes more likely 30%, and power consumption is increased by only 10%.
Currently, Microsoft is using daughter boards with FPGA Stratix V D5 of Altera. This adapter with PCI Express x16 bus and 4GB of DDR3 memory onboard. The boards are used in servers on Intel Xeon processors. According to the Microsoft strategy, the best solution - is the installation of the accelerator in each server, and not the creation of monolithic arrays of programmable accelerators matrices. Related Products :
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