Researchers Claim 1,000 Core Chip Created

eldavojohn writes "Remember a few months ago when the feasibility was discussed of a thousand core processor? By using FPGAs, Glasgow University researchers have claimed a proof of concept 1,000 core chip that they demonstrated running an MPEG algorithm at a speed of 5Gbps. From one of the researchers: 'This is very early proof-of-concept work where we're trying to demonstrate a convenient way to program FPGAs so that their potential to provide very fast processing power could be used much more widely in future computing and electronics. While many existing technologies currently make use of FPGAs, including plasma and LCD televisions and computer network routers, their use in standard desktop computers is limited. However, we are already seeing some microchips which combine traditional CPUs with FPGA chips being announced by developers, including Intel and ARM. I believe these kinds of processors will only become more common and help to speed up computers even further over the next few years.'"

Programmable CPU's

[kge]

How long will it be before we will see the first motherboards with FPGA emerge?
Then you can download the CPU type of your choice:

-- naah, I don't like this new Intel core, I will try the latest AMD instead...

Life Cycle

[glueball]

I think this is a great development. I've been using FPGAs in medical imaging for about 15 years. The groups that use the GPUs are getting great performance--definitely--but seeing as how MRI and CT machines are placed and need to run for 10, 15 20 years, I don't see how the GPUs will survive that time. One large OEM was pushing the GPUs for their architecture and I can't believe it will be successful if success is measured on the longevity scale. I'm sure the service sales guy will clean up.

Why do GPUs fail? I'm not sure of the exact modes of failure but the amount of heat has got to have something to do with it. FPGAs will run much cooler and in the FLOPS/Watt game, will win.

Re:Life Cycle

[SuricouRaven]

I don't see why an MRI machine processor can't be made fault-tolerant. If a GPU burns out, it could just be disabled and a fault warning indicated - and then the machine can carry on working, even if it does take significently longer to produce an image. Then you call tech support, they come around and pull the faulty part and slot in a new one. The only concern then is making sure parts are available in twenty years - and I imagine any machine that expensive has to come with a long-term support contract which will oblige the manufacturer to ensure a supply of compatible boards in years to come.