Compute system architecture
By enabling hardware-software codesign for high-performance computing and AI applications, imec models and prototypes the post-exascale system architecture of the future.
Analyzing a full genome in minutes, fluently interacting within highly dynamic and detailed AR/VR environments, quickly training AI models with unimaginable amounts of data, ... Looking into the future, the possibilities seem endless. Nevertheless, they’re limited in at least one respect: by the processing power of today’s compute systems. The challenge is anything but trivial: we need a performance improvement of three orders of magnitude. That’s the goal of imec’s Compute System Architecture (CSA) R&D unit: to model and prototype scalable, reliable, secure and power-efficient architectures that can deliver the high-performance computing that's required for next-gen applications.
Read this in-depth article on how to address the scaling limitations of future computing systems.
Co-optimization across the system stack
At imec, we’re convinced that such a post-exascale system architecture can only be achieved by leveraging innovations across the system stack: from algorithms to core device components.
Click for more info on imec’s high-performance computing software lab.
Click for more info on our research into superconducting computing.
Moreover, these innovations should be co-designed from the outset to ensure optimal performance gains. And they should integrate the most advanced security and computing integrity concepts. To minimize the risk of data loss during operation, we need to consider:
- hardware elements
- operating systems
- compilers
- application software
- networking stack
All the way up to the layer where developers write software and users interact with a device.
Unique team
To tackle these complex challenges, the CSA R&D unit takes advantage of imec’s broad expertise in life science and AI applications and its technology manufacturing platform. But its greatest asset is its diverse and multidisciplinary team. Their knowhow includes:
- algorithms research
- software enablement
- compilers and middleware for heterogeneous systems
- micro-architecture
- circuit design
Want to join us? We're looking for talented researchers and engineers with varied skill sets to advance the art of high-performance system codesign. Check out the job opportunities or send us your resumé.
Partner with us
The CSA R&D unit aims to grasp the fundamental compute problems and bottlenecks experienced by system companies who are developing next-gen usage models. Based on that understanding, we want to create new compute paradigms that can drive the industry – from hardware developers to software companies – forward for many years to come.
We don’t make products, but we also don’t limit ourselves to purely theoretical models. Through hardware and software prototypes, we want to demonstrate the link between systems and technologies.
Want to join our research, get early access to our results, and help shape our roadmap?
