Chinese language tech large Baidu mentioned on Wednesday it had begun mass-producing second-generation Kunlun synthetic intelligence (AI) chips, because it races to develop into a key participant within the chip business which Beijing is attempting to strengthen.
The brand new technology of Kunlun AI chips, utilizing 7 nm course of expertise, achieved a high computational functionality two-to-three occasions the earlier technology, Baidu mentioned in a press release.
Kunlun chips, whose first technology entered mass manufacturing in early 2020, have been used largely by Baidu in sensible electrical automobiles and cloud computing.
Chinese language expertise giants are stepping up efforts to design their very own chips in an indication of China’s ambition to cut back its dependence on international producers equivalent to Qualcomm Inc and Nvidia Corp.
U.S. sanctions imposed on {hardware} maker Huawei Technologies Co Ltd have prevented the Chinese language telecom large from sourcing parts together with semiconductors, crippling its smartphone enterprise.
Beijing-based Baidu is contemplating commercialising its AI chip design capabilities, with the intention of constructing the Kunlun unit a standalone firm, Reuters has reported.
In March, Kunlun accomplished a spherical of fundraising that valued the enterprise at about $2 billion.
Baidu additionally operates one other chip unit known as Honghu.
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