Multiclet

MultiClet is an ongoing innovation project for a microprocessor that claims to be the first post von Neumann, multicellular microprocessor, breaking the paradigm for computing technology that has been in place for more than 60 years.[5][6][7] There have been attempts in the past to shift away from the von Neumann architecture,[8] but no one has really taken it to the limit by trying to implement a fully multicellular - dynamically reconfigurable microprocessor. Now 4-cellular dynamically reconfigurable microprocessor is implemented.[9]

Multiclet
Processor R1
General Info
Launched2014 (2014)
Marketed byMultiClet Corp.[1] resident of Skolkovo [2]
Designed byDigital Solutions [3]
Performance
Max. CPU clock rate80 MHz to 120 MHz [4]
Architecture and classification
Instruction setMulticellular
Physical specifications
Cores
  • 4

History and future prospects
  • April, 2013, a Skolkovo resident SPUTNIX signed an agreement for joint development of the MultiClet microprocessor.[10] July, 2013, an article was published by an individual enthusiast who evaluates the function of the MultiClet microprocessor using a development kit sold by the supplier, the article does indeed mention a few challenges working with the product.[11] January, 2014, an announcement is made that the FreeRTOS operating system has been ported to the MultiClet microprocessor,[12] this demonstrates that the microprocessor potentially can perform tasks that makes it suitable for real products.[13] April, 2014, the Kickstarter project Key_P1 MultiClet: Your Powerful Digital Guardian, failed to raise sufficient funding,[14] it is still unclear if MultiClet Corp. intends to go ahead with the product anyway since it is available on their website.[15] Since June, 2014, the MultiClet microprocessor is also reportedly under test in real space conditions onboard SPUTNIX’s microsatellite TabletSat-Aurora.[16][17][18]
  • March, 2014 Multiclet present first multicellular dynamically reconfigurable microprocessor in Inatronics 2014.[9]

Financing

Since 2004 more than 300 million roubles has been provided for the project by the Danish venture fund Symbion Capital and the Bortnik Fund. In 2009 there was an unsuccessful request for co-financing by Rusnano. In 2010 it was reported that more than 1 billion roubles would be needed in total before any actual production could take place. In 2011 the MultiClet company, currently responsible for the development of the microprocessor was founded with a capital of 323 million roubles.[22]

August, 2014, a financing request for 80 million US dollars from the Russian-Chinese Investment Fund (RKIF) was made in order to develop a MultiClet based computer.[23]

Technical concept

As opposed to the traditional multi-core processor architecture each individual cell in the microprocessor can communicate with each other, without the need to store intermediate results in memory registers. This removes the concept of assembly language instructions with sequential dependence, in favor of realizing a high level programming language directly on the computer hardware. The smallest indivisible unit is a set of instructions described in the triadic language. Each triad can describe an operation between references to other triads, rather than references to the current contents in memory registers. The result of the sequence of triads is evaluated when selected, e.g. when an operation to write the result to a memory register is issued.[24]

Potential benefits

The multicellular microprocessor architecture makes it easier to perform parallel execution because the need to access intermediate memory for each operation is eliminated, thus each cell can operate independently until the result is needed. The microprocessor can operate with reduced performance if one or more of the microprocessor cells become non-functioning. The dynamic reconfiguration of the microprocessor, in case of permanent failures makes it ideal for operation under harsh conditions such as in space applications.[25]

Realization of all operations within each statement, without memory involvement improves computing power by 4–5 times and reduces the microprocessor energy consumption by up to 10 times.[26]

Criticism

July, 2012, a critical view was posted on a forum which discusses potential challenges related to scaling of the technology. The main obstacle would be the high level of communication required between the different cells of the multicellular architecture and its implementation using CMOS semiconductor process technology below 180 nanometer.[27]

Variants

Available and suggested multicellular processor variants:[28]

TypeDescription
Phigh Рerformance and simultaneous reduction of power consumption
Cultra-low power Consumption and high performance
Rdynamic Reconfiguration
LLiveness, fault tolerance

Models

Available multicellular processor models:

ArticleCellsClock frequencyTypeProcessYearManufacturer
MCp041P100104[4]4120 MHzP1180 nanometer2013SilTerra Malaysia[29]
MCp0411100101[4]4120 MHzP1180 nanometer2013SilTerra Malaysia[29]
MCp042R100102[30]480 MHzR1180 nanometer2014SilTerra Malaysia[29]

In design
Variants currently in design [31]
4-cell microprocessor of the L variant
16-cell microprocessor for audio and video applications, using a 45 nanometer CMOS manufacting process
64-cell microprocessor for supercomputers, using a 22 nanometer CMOS manufacting process

References
  1. "Company Overview of MULTICLET Corp". investing.businessweek.com. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  2. "ОАО "Мультиклет" - Skolkovo Community". community.sk.ru. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  3. "Layout design development of a domestic multicellular processor MultiClet P1". eng.dsol.ru. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  4. "Price list last updated 01.12.2014". multiclet.com. Retrieved 2015-01-08.
  5. "Introduction in multicellular processors". multiclet.com. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  6. "Multiclet makes first multicellular microprocessors". eng.spb-venchur.ru. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  7. "MultiClet Corp. on Russia Today TV Channel". rt.com. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  8. "What are some examples of non-Von Neumann architectures?". stackoverflow.com. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  9. "MULTICLET's future perspectives after Inatronics 2014". multiclet.com. Retrieved 2015-03-16.
  10. "SPUTNIX and MULTICLET Corp. will jointly develop advanced microprocessors for space technology". sputnix.ru. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  11. "As I tested Multiclet". webhamster.ru. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  12. "OC FreeRTOS successfully ported to the processor MULTICLET P1". community.sk.ru. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  13. "Portirovany FreeRTOS on the processor from Multiklet". sysmagazine.com. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  14. "Key_P1 MultiClet: Your Powerful Digital Guardian". kickstarter.com. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  15. "Key_P1 MULTICLET". multiclet.com. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  16. "SPUTNIX, MultiClet Partner to Develop Advanced Microprocessors for Space Technology". satellitetoday.com. Retrieved 2015-01-06.
  17. "Sputniks and Multiclet join forces in the development of advanced microprocessors". survincity.com. Archived from the original on 2015-01-06. Retrieved 2015-01-06.
  18. "The Russian start-up company SPUTNIX designed and built the TabletSat-Aurora (ТаблетСат-Аврора) technology demonstrator and earth observing satellite". space.skyrocket.de. Retrieved 2015-01-06.
  19. "Russian microprocessor firms to challenge Intel and AMD on domestic market". rbth.co.uk. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  20. "Russia's microelectronics industry gains steam". thinkrussia.com. Archived from the original on 2014-10-06. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  21. "Baikal Processor with 8 Cores to Cleansweep AMD and Intel in Russia – Vladmir Put-in End to the CPU Wars". wccftech.com. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  22. "Russian fundamentally new processor architecture already in production". cnews.ru. Retrieved 2015-01-06.
  23. "Russian supercomputer waiting for Chinese money". gazeta.ru. Retrieved 2015-01-06.
  24. "Multicellular processors(conception, architecture)" (PDF). multiclet.com. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  25. "Sputnix and Multiclet To Develop Advanced Microprocessors For Space". spacenewsfeed.com. Archived from the original on 2015-01-03. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  26. "MultiClet: superprocessor for supercomputers". community.sk.ru. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  27. "A critical view on the part of processors Multiclet". 3.14.by. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  28. "Multicellular processors". multiclet.com. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  29. "Multiclet SilTerra and strengthen strategic partnership". survincity.com. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  30. "MCp042R100102-1 LQ 256". multiclet.com. Retrieved 2015-01-11.
  31. "In design". multiclet.com. Retrieved 2015-01-15.
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