Quadric and ams-OSRAM AG announced a strategic collaboration to develop integrated sensing modules combining ams OSRAM's leading edge Mira Family of CMOS sensors for visible and infrared with Quadric's novel Chimera™ GPNPU processors. The combined ultra-low power modules will enable new methods of smart sensing for wearable devices, robotics, industrial and security markets. A demonstration of the product will be on display at CES, Las Vegas, January 5-8, 2023.

Quadric's Chimera™ general purpose neural processors (GPNPUs) offer the ability to handle both machine learning graph processing and classical data-parallel C++ algorithms in a unified architecture, bringing advanced on-device AI capabilities to edge-based applications. Quadric's architecture delivers efficient machine learning (ML) inference performance, but unlike other neural network accelerators which support a limited number of machine learning graph operators, the Quadric solution also has general-purpose control and signal processing capability - blending the best attributes of NPU accelerators with DSPs. Quadric GPNPUs can run both neural net graphs and C++ code for signal pre-processing and post-processing and at dramatically lower levels of power dissipation than other edge silicon solutions.

The Mira lineup of CMOS image sensors from ams OSRAM are focused on low sensor and system power, and small form factors that maximize resolution efficiency in minimal footprint. The growing portfolio of the Mira family sensors offer a range of resolutions for different applications requiring high performance global shutter image sensors, multiple released products and more in development at higher and lower resolutions. A Mira image sensor combined with a Quadric GPNPU integrates image capture and machine learning into a single low-power module – accomplishing in a few hundred milliwatts what requires a 5W or 10W GPU card according to simulations run by Quadric.

The Mira220 and future derivative resolutions offer multiple combinations for different applications combined with Quadric's scalable Chimera™ processor lineup that spans a range of compute from 1 TOP to 16 TOPs. A demonstration kit showcasing the combined Quadric plus Mira Sensors technologies is available from ams OSRAM.