Vendor: Chips&Media, Inc. Category: NPU

Specialized Video Processing NPU IP for SR, NR, Demosaic, AI ISP, Object Detection, Semantic Segmentation

WAVE-N is a high-performance, video-specialized NPU IP designed to deliver real-time, deep learning-based image enhancement for e…

Overview

WAVE-N is a high-performance, video-specialized NPU IP designed to deliver real-time, deep learning-based image enhancement for edge devices. By utilizing a proprietary 'Line-by-Line' processing architecture, it significantly reduces DRAM bandwidth and achieves 4x to 10x faster processing speeds compared to conventional NPUs. Optimized for Super Resolution, AI-ISP, and Noise Reduction, it offers a small silicon footprint and high energy efficiency to provide superior video quality in power-constrained environments.

Key features

  • Proprietary Line-by-Line Processing: Minimizes DRAM access, delivering 4x to 10x faster processing speeds compared to conventional NPUs.
  • Compact & Efficient Architecture: High MAC utilization with only 4M logic gates for 1024 FP16 MACs.
  • Fully Programmable Core: Features a proprietary ISA for instruction-level coding and flexible algorithm implementation.
  • Native 16-bit Floating Point Unit: Simplifies network development by eliminating the need for complex fixed-point quantization.
  • Versatile AI Video Processing: Optimized for Super Resolution (up to 4K60fps), Noise Reduction, Demosaic and AI-ISP, Object detection, Semantic Segmentation.

Block Diagram

Benefits

  • Drastic Bandwidth Savings: Reduces system-level power consumption and bus contention through optimized data flow.
  • Reduced Time-to-Market: Floating-point support and a SW simulation package (Compiler, Simulator) ensure rapid deployment without precision loss.
  • Extreme Area Efficiency: Achieves high performance in a significantly smaller silicon area, ideal for cost-sensitive edge devices.
  • Future-Proof Flexibility: A fully programmable engine allows easy updates to the latest CNN models even after silicon production. 

Applications

  • Super Resolution
  • Noise Reduction
  • Full AI-ISP
  • Object Detection
  • Semantic Segmentation

What’s Included?

  • Synthesizable RTL
  • Pre-trained AI Models for SR, NR, Demosaic
  • Software Simulation Package (Compiler/Simulator)
  • Evaluation Kit
  • Technical Documentation

Files

Note: some files may require an NDA depending on provider policy.

Specifications

Identity

Part Number
WAVE-N
Vendor
Chips&Media, Inc.

Provider

Chips&Media, Inc.
HQ: Rep of Korea
Chips&Media is a GLOBAL LEADING VIDEO IP (Intellecual Property) Company that develops and designs the professional video IP by implementing video compression algorithm into hardware. Chips&Media’s video processing engines have been developed for a variety of multimedia application such as Mobile phones, Home Consumer Devices, Wired and Wireless Communications, PMP and Tablet PCs. Lately new IT Products have constantly been launched like Smart Phones, Tablet PC and so on, this makes the digital devices to have a variety of multimedia functions. Therefore, Chips&Media has focused on developing video processing engine, which is adapted to its own hardware structures for high speed, high performance and ultra-low power.

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Frequently asked questions about NPU IP cores

What is Specialized Video Processing NPU IP for SR, NR, Demosaic, AI ISP, Object Detection, Semantic Segmentation?

Specialized Video Processing NPU IP for SR, NR, Demosaic, AI ISP, Object Detection, Semantic Segmentation is a NPU IP core from Chips&Media, Inc. listed on Semi IP Hub.

How should engineers evaluate this NPU?

Engineers should review the overview, key features, supported foundries and nodes, maturity, deliverables, and provider information before shortlisting this NPU IP.

Can this semiconductor IP be compared with similar products?

Yes. Buyers can compare this product with similar semiconductor IP cores or IP families based on category, provider, process options, and structured technical specifications.

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