The smallest computer in the world: photo, description, rating. "Smart dust": how the smallest computer Michigan Micro Mote is arranged the smallest processor in the world

In March last year, Alphago program developed by Google Deepmind won over one of the best wizards in the world - Lee Sedol. This series of games has become an indicator of what is capable of neural networks. And they are applied in other (less global) applications, such as programs to detect malware or text translation on images.

It is expected that in the near future the cost of the market softwareWith the possibility of deep learning, exceeds $ 1 billion. Therefore, researchers are engaged in the design of special chips capable of cope with such applications.

Among them are arranged by Google, Nvidia, Qualcomm, etc. But today we would like to talk about the development of scientists Michigan University - the Michigan Micro Mote project - a computer in one cubic millimeter.

Softbank General Director Masayashi Son (Masayoshi Son) suggested that by 2035 the number of Internet gadgets of things will reach 1 trillion. However, modern devices, such as cameras, microphones, locks, thermostats, there is a disadvantage - they are not able to analyze information on their own, therefore constantly transmitting it to the cloud, spending energy.

Researchers from Michigan University set themselves the task of solving this problem and make smart and small computers with sensors for IoT.

"It is difficult to imagine how much data will generate the trillion devices," says Professor Michigan University David Blaaów (David Blaauw). - Having created small energy-efficient sensors capable of conducting an analysis "on the fly", we will make our environment safer and save electricity "

It is the problem of power consumption that Michigan Micro Mote's computer must solve, which is so small that comparable to the size with rice grains.

Nevertheless, it is a full-featured computing system capable of acting as a smart sensor. For example, it is used to monitor intraocular pressure.

Surprisingly low-power

The solution is based on a tiny Phoenix processor with a very low power consumption. The Phoenix processor is divided into core and periphery. The kernel consists of an 8-bit CPU, 52-40-bit memory with arbitrary access for data (DMEM), 64-10-bit memory with arbitrary access (IMEM) and 64-10-bit ROM (IROM) for commands as well as a power control unit.

The peripheralia includes a control timer and a temperature sensor, but 8 sensors can be added to their number, depending on the required functional.

PHOENIX () processor circuit

The kernel and peripherals interact with the help of a system tire using a simple asynchronous protocol. Most of the time, the Phoenix processor spends in ready mode. The control timer, which is a low current oscillator, "wakes up" processor and starts the processing process and maintain the temperature sensor readings. After completing the task, the processor returns to the readiness mode and expects the following command - this approach allows you to seriously reduce power consumption.

CPU and other logical modules can be disconnected from power sources when their services are not required, but the memory (IMEM and DMEM) - no, because it should store data recorded in it. Therefore, SRAM modules remain the main consumers of energy. For this reason, the developers use techniques designed to reduce current leakage, such as a high voltage level at the inputs of transistors. With the same purpose, the duration of the gating pulse was increased.

Data Memory Architecture (DMEM) with SRAM () Cell

To reduce energy consumption even more, DMEM works with the so-called list free memory. This list, managed by the CPU, contains information about the rows used in the DMEM memory. DMEM has 26 switches (each connected to 2 rows), which selectively turn off the current in the readiness mode, given the state of the free memory list.

Developers also optimized CPU operation with IMEM and DMEM. To work with IMEM, the minimum set of basic commands is used. The length of the command is limited to 10 bits, while popular operations use flexible addressing methods, and less popular - implicit operands. Also in the processor there is hardware compression support to maximize the memory capacity.

Displaying virtual memory addresses in DMEM is performed using a fixed Huffman algorithm. DMEM itself is divided into static and dynamically defined blocks. Each 16 byte of virtual memory receive one string of static partition. If the memory entry causes an overflow, the excess is transferred to the dynamic partition by the pointer.

Temperature Sensor Scheme ()

As for the integrated temperature sensor, its scheme is shown in the figure above. The temperature-dependent current source (IREF) and the current source, the readings of which vary according to the absolute temperature (IPTat), are connected to the annular generator that translates temperature information into pulses. Then these signals come to the summing meter generating digital data. Since the value of the temperature sensor is not required for a long time, it turns off during downtime to additionally save energy.

In their work, scientists conducted testing the Phoenix processor and found that it consumes 297 NWs in active mode and only 29.6 PVTs in ready mode.

What made "sandwich"

In addition to the processor, Michigan Micro Mote has several other "layers" performing their functions. One of these are solar panels - a solar battery with an area of \u200b\u200b1 square millimeter is capable of producing 20 NW power.

Michigan Micro Mote ()

In addition to solar batteriesThe device consists of a control module, a radio module, a sensor system interface, a processor itself, battery and power control item.

The layers communicate with each other using a specially designed universal interface called MBUS. At the same time, scientists can simply replace one of the layers to another by implementing a new type of tracking device. Such a design significantly reduces the cost of production.

Path in microbideling

"Now we have been working on improving messaging technology between computers," says Blaaów. - So far, we managed to achieve a distance of 20 meters. This is a serious improvement, since the first versions of the device could only transmit information on only 50 centimeters "

Opportunities Scientists from Michigan demonstrated at the ISSCC conference.

The stumbling stumbling stones to expand the coating zone remain the size of the antenna and the need to increase power to transmit information over long distances, which affects energy consumption.

Researchers are taking other steps to improving the microcomputer. For example, they constantly improve the device's memory - previous generations Micro Mote used only 8 kilobytes SRAM, which made them unsuitable for processing sound and video. Therefore, a team of scientists has provided new computers with flash memory in 1 megabyte.

Moreover, one of the Micro Mote devices presented on ISSCC had an inlet learning processor. The microguet was able to control the neural network, while consuming only 288 μW. Typically, such tasks require large memory banks and computing capacities provided by modern GPUs.

Blaasow says their startup Cubeworks is already engaged in prototyping devices and market research. Scientists hope that after 2 years, surveillance cameras will appear capable of calculating the wanted offender directly among those passing by people, and other smart devices from the world of IoT.

Small computers are not very popular yet, but I am sure that many users will appreciate them. Personally, I have previously looked after small computers, but at that time it was not on sale such a mini computer on Windows that could replace the desktop computer.

There are of course and laptops that are compact and universal, yes they can replace system unit. But for me in inexpensive laptops There are 2 serious minuses:

1. in laptops Little screen diagonal and small resolution. The display quality is very low, with a deviation from a direct angle, the image is faded.
2. in low-cost laptops do not put SSD, and this is a serious minus for speed.

Of course, the laptop will not be replaced on trips, and I have a laptop that I take with myself, but when it comes to using the house, I personally for me better monitor With a large diagonal, big resolution and matrix IPS. It is for these reasons that I chose a mini-PC.

Let's all in order, we are talking about silent little computer which can replace the system unit:

Mini computer comes in a small box,


Package Included:


1 - computer itself
2 - power supply
3 - Cable 220V
4 - two wi-Fi antennas, fastening screws. Separately at the same seller I bought Vesa mount to the monitor.
5 - fastening screws
6 - Vesa Fastening (not included, it is necessary to order separately)

Gabarits.

As you have already managed to notice the size of the computer is very compact 14 x 11 x 3.5 cm, sizes are comparable with sizes 3.5 " hard disk For desktop computer:

Specifications

In general, you can buy this small computer in different configurations, I will give the links to them below. For now, we will talk about this, a specific instance.

External connectors

All connectors are located on two opposite ends.
One side

• power button button
• power supply connector
• 1 USB 3.0 port
• 4 USB 2.0 ports

From the second side

• 2 Antenna Connector
• 3.5 "audio output
• 3.5 "Microphone Connector
• RJ-45 Network Adapter
• HDMI output
• VGA output

What is inside

If we look inside the mini computer, we will see that inside everything is compact. Here you can see 1 SO-DIMM slot with memory module, MSATA connector inserted disk SSD., MINI PCIE connector in which the Wi-Fi module is inserted.


And also there is a SATA connector for connecting a hard disk, and a non-standard power connector for a hard disk. I did not try to connect an additional disc, because there was no power cable. And to honestly, I doubt that it can be fit in this case, at least there is no fixings for it.

Cooling

Cooling system here is passive, that is, in this computer there are no fans, And for heat dissipation, the ribbed small computer case is responsible. With the stated heat sinking requirements of the processor - the TDP 7.5W body completely copes with heat removal. As for overheating, while I did not come across a computer in 2 months never hung and did not turn off.

The temperature was measured according to the sensor built into the processor, during all tests, it is about 80 minutes. As can be seen from measurements:

• minimum temperature amounted to 40 ° C
• maximum temperature amounted to 50 ° C

Wherein reserve to critical temperature was 50 ° C from the maximum.

The lack of a fan and classic hard disk is a complete noise, for me it is a big plus.

Operating system

The computer was supplied with the pre-installed English Windows 7, the copy was not licensed. I immediately installed Windows 8.1 x64 drivers installed everything, the only thing I did was updated them.


Linux systems on this baby work, Live CD Ubuntu has launched without problems. I think all other distributions will also work perfectly well.

In the computer characteristics, it is stated that it supports the old Good Windows XP, but I did not install this system, so I don't know exactly how correctly it works, and I can't do it with the drivers.

Performance

Immediately say gamers - this computer is not for you! As I already wrote graphics here Intel HD Graphics, built into the processor, unfortunately, it will not pull. But for some games it is enough.

If you choose a computer that would occupy little space, to work on the Internet, to work in office applications, for watching video and listening to music, to work in Photoshop and other graphic editors - You may not doubt, this baby will easily cope with all these tasks!

Test productivity

To measure performance, the Perfomancetest 8 test was used, you can download it on this site page www.passmark.com, in this test:

• Overall ball Computer 680.4-709.0.
• CPU showed the result by 30% lower than Core2DUO E8400
• Graphics, as expected weak, about 2 times slower Radeon 6450
• By dough memory Loge from DDR2 - 16%, from DDR3 - more than 37%
• Disk showed the result 2.5 times faster than ordinary discs and 38% slower than other SSD disks

Detailed test results:
2D graphics:

3D graphics:

CPU:

Memory:

Disk:

Final result:

Surely, few people wondered about the fact that there are computers in the world, the dimensions of which do not exceed bank card. Do you think it is unreal? And here is not. Such PCs exist and, moreover, one of them was presented just this year. However, why not go through all the famous models of "tiny" PC? In today's material, we will tell about what the world's smallest computers exist. It will be interesting and informative. Go!

C. H. I. P.

So, opens today, a computer from C. H. I. P. This device It was created in 2015. The size of the computer is striking - 45 x 30mm. Thus, the smallest computer in the world can be easily put in the wallet, pocket or matchboxes.

The computer is running on the GR8 processor. The clock frequency is 1 GHz. Volume random access memory 256/512 MB, and hDD has a volume of up to 4 GB. There are also built-in wi-Fi modules Bluetooth.

C. H. I. P. P. Through a special motherboard on which there is a USB port. You can also connect an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, columns, Ethernet cable.

Creators C. H. I. P. also assure that if you connect 1-2 to their computer wireless Gamepada, I can easily play in many retro games that run out from under DOS. In general, the "chip" is suitable without any problems for any simple office work, viewing multimedia files and other, not too complex tasks.

The cost of PC at the moment is 16 dollars (1000 rubles) without motherboard.

Edison.

The second in the world that will be discussed - Edison from Intel. The world-famous processor manufacturing company could not stay aside when small PCs began to appear in the world, and decided to give their answer. In 2014, the first "Edison" presentation was held, and in 2015 mass sales have already started.

The size of the computer from Intel is even less than that of the "chip" - 35 x 25 mm. What did you manage to post on such a small piece of the board? Yes, in fact, the entire standard set: processor with 2 Silvermont cores with a frequency of 500 MHz, 4 GB of memory for the drive, 1 GB of RAM and modules for Wi-Fi and bluetooth. Antenna for Wi-Fi, by the way, maybe two types - built-in and external.

EDISON is installed on a special fee that comes in the kit. Boards can be different, but most often occurs Arduino compatible. Connect this computer easy enough through uSB ports On the board. Instead of standard OS, you can install any custom at its discretion.

How the developer assures intel.For EDISON in the future, a special application store will be created, by type as Google Play. or Apple Store. The ability to have a computer is also quite good - it will not only work for work, but also for entertainment.

CUBOX-I 4 X 4

In the third place of the youngest computers in the world, the CUBOX device is located. In their way appearance Already more reminiscent of a compact computer in the housing. The dimensions of the "baby" make up 50 x 50 x 50 mm. The housing is provided for HDMI connectors, a slot under the micro-SD memory card and a power cable connector.

Concerning technical characteristics, then as a processor, a Freescale IMX6 chip is used here, built on the basis of the Cortex A9 architecture. Its clock frequency is 1.0-1.2 GHz. There is even a separate graphic chip that performs the role of a video source - Vivante GC2000. RAM at PC 4 GB. As for the hard disk, the Micro-SD memory card is used here. Included, by the way, immediately goes a card on 8 GB. Support all wireless technology Available. Works "Cube" on the operating room android system, version 4. 4. Will the update be up to 5. 1 and above, alas, unknown.

For CUBOX capabilities, it is very comparable to tablets, only much better than them in terms of performance. A minus, perhaps, you can call the lack of opportunity to work directly with EXE files and reinstall OS on any other. As for the cost, then buy Cubox is available for 150-170 dollars (9500 - 10790 rubles).

Michigan Micro Mote.

Michigan Micro Mote - the name of the smallest computer in the world, which is located on the penultimate place of today's list. Until recently, this particular device was considered the smallest. Micro Mote sizes are simply affected - only 1 cubic mm. Even the seed or grains of wheat is greater than this PC.

Nevertheless, how can Micro Mote boast? Well, there is a Phoenix processor, which is divided into 2 parts. One fulfills the role of the CPU, and the other directly responds to the periphery, storage devices and power management unit.

This computer is more suitable for some industrial purposes or portable devices. In the aggregate can act different sensors, for example, to measure temperature, pressure, etc. Also, the PC is capable of photographing, search for minerals and manage different electronics. "Food" computer, by the way, with the help of solar energy, so it is also environmentally friendly.

IBM.

Well, we have come to the last place, at which proudly accommodated the smallest computer in the world from IBM. PC dimensions are 1 x 1 mm, which is even less than that of the crystal of the same salt.

Immediately it is worth saying that the main purpose of the device is industry, smart gadgets and other electronics. That is, use the computer at home will not work. PC power, as the developers assure developers in IBM, comparable to the processors of the 90s, which is quite good, as for such a device. The processor is equipped with hundreds of thousands of microtransistors, a SRAM type RAM, a photomodule for power, a LED indicator for alerts and sending information, etc. It is curious that the processor is built in the blockchain module with which the computer works fine.

But, in fact, the photo of the smallest computer in the world:

Developers also argue that their small computer without problems can be used as a chip for tracking mailingslike a "brain" for managing a smart home, car, aircraft, and, of course, like artificial IntelligenceWith which it is so far only simple tasks of the type of sorting and data processing, but in the future IBM promise to expand the possibilities.