Sacrificing Accuracy For Speed and Efficiency In Processors

Skudd writes "Modern computing has always been reliant on accuracy and correct answers. Now, a professor at Rice University in Houston posits that some future applications could be revolutionized by 'probabilistic computing.' Quoting: 'This afternoon, Krishna Palem, speaking at a computer science meeting in San Francisco, will announce results of the first real-world test of his probabilistic computer chip: The chip, which thrives on random errors, ran seven times faster than today's best technology while using just 1/30th the electricity. ... The high density of transistors on existing chips also leads to a lot of background "noise." To compensate, engineers increase the voltage applied to computer circuits to overpower the noise and ensure precise calculations. Palem began wondering how much a slight reduction in the quality of calculations might improve speed and save energy. He soon realized that some information was more valuable than other information. For example, in calculating a bank balance of $13,000.81, getting the "13" correct is much more important than the "81." Producing an answer of $13,000.57 is much closer to being correct than $57,000.81. While Palem's technology may not have a future in calculating missions to Mars, it probably has one in such applications as streaming music and video on mobile devices, he said.'

Comments

Re:Bank balance

[BadAnalogyGuy]

If you are listening to music on a portable media device, it's safe to say that you aren't going to be able to hear the difference between the lossy format and the lossless format.

It's like drinking from a well. Connoisseurs may claim to be able to taste the difference between it and tap water, but that's just the extra tang from all the bull shit.

Re:Bank balance

[Hojima]

There are countless applications for a computer that don't depend on accuracy, but do depend on speed. For example: gaming, stock analysis, scientific/mathematical research etc. Just about every use for the computer can benefit from this. Bear in mind these applications can take the hit of inaccuracy, if not benefit from it depending on the situation. Yes there are some instances were accuracy is crucial, but that's why they will continue to make both of the processors. It's what they call a free market, and there will be always be a new niche to fill.