NPU
Technology & Computing abbreviation · Computer Hardware
| Stands for | Neural processing unit |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
NPU stands for Neural processing unit, a computer hardware abbreviation.
Processor block specialized for the matrix math used in artificial intelligence, running tasks such as background blur, voice transcription, photo enhancement and on-device language models efficiently at low power. Recent phone and laptop chips from Apple, Qualcomm, Intel and AMD include one.
Example: Microsoft's Copilot+ PC label requires an NPU rated at 40 TOPS or more.
Usage notes
NPU performance is quoted in TOPS (trillions of operations per second), usually at 8-bit integer precision, so figures are not directly comparable with GPU FLOPS. Apple calls its version the Neural Engine, first shipped in the A11 Bionic chip in 2017. Offloading AI work to the NPU frees the CPU and GPU and extends battery life.
Related abbreviations
More computer hardware abbreviations
- MoBo – Motherboard
- MTBF – Mean time between failures
- NAND – NOT-AND (NAND flash memory)
- NAS – Network-attached storage
- NGFF – Next Generation Form Factor
- NIC – Network interface card
- NUC – Next Unit of Computing
- NVMe – Non-Volatile Memory Express
- NVRAM – Non-volatile random-access memory
- OC – Overclocking
- ODD – Optical disc drive
- ODM – Original design manufacturer