IDT rolls out heterogeneous mobile edge computing platform

Integrated Device Technology Inc. (IDT) has rolled out a heterogeneous mobile edge computing platform that claims to perform real-time big data analytics and deep learning with low-latency computing at the network edge. Created at the company's HPAC lab, the platform uses modules that are now in production and is based on innovations and collaboration with Nvidia, Prodrive Technologies and Concurrent Technologies PLC.

The platform is based on a 1U form factor server and features heterogeneous computing with Nvidia Tegra K1 processors and x86 CPUs. The computing elements are connected using RapidIO fabric technology with about 100ns switching latency and 20Gb/s ports, with upcoming versions using RapidIO 10xN technology accelerated to 50Gb/s. The platform can be populated with appropriate mixes of processor types and accelerator capacity to optimise workloads for deep learning and analytics at the edge of the wireless network. Co-located with base stations, it is possible to support in ATCA form factors if required.

The modular building blocks can be deployed by carriers for server functionality at the wireless base station, Cloud radio access network (C-RAN) or in the central office. And with distributed data centre functions becoming increasingly important for streaming video applications, the platform can also be deployed at the network point of presence.

Five 1U systems can be meshed together in a network that can support up to 60 teraflops of computing capacity using the energy-efficient Nvidia Tegra processors. In a central office, up to 40 1U systems can be connected in an industry-standard data centre rack to deliver up to half a petaflop of compute performance. The initial Mobile Edge Computing Platform is focused on GPU and x86 technologies and is available. Other versions in development are based on ARM, DSP, FPGA and PowerPC options.