As a bridge between the framework and hardware, the Deep learning compiler can realize the goal of one-time code development and reuse of various computing power processors. Recently, Computational Energy has also opened source its self-developed TPU compiler tool - TPU-MLIR (Multi-Level Intermediate Representation). Tpu-mlir is an open source TPU compiler for Deep learning processors. The project provides a complete tool chain, which converts the pre-trained neural network under various frameworks into a binary file bmodel that can operate efficiently in TPU to achieve more efficient reasoning. This course is driven by actual practice, leading you to intuitively understand, practice, and master the TPU compiler framework of intelligent Deep learning processors.

At present, the TPU-MLIR project has been applied to the latest generation of deep learning processor BM1684X, which is developed by Computational Energy. Combined with the high-performance ARM core of the processor itself and the corresponding SDK, it can realize the rapid deployment of deep learning algorithms. The course will cover the basic syntax of MLIR and the implementation details of various optimization operations in the compiler, such as figure optimization, int8 quantization, operator segmentation, and address allocation.

TPU-MLIR has several advantages over other compilation tools

1. Simple and convenient

By reading the development manual and the samples included in the project, users can understand the model conversion process and principles, and quickly get started. Moreover, TPU-MLIR is designed based on the current mainstream compiler tool library MLIR, and users can also learn the application of MLIR through it. The project has provided a complete set of tool chain, users can directly through the existing interface to quickly complete the model transformation work, do not have to adapt to different networks

2. General

At present, TPU-MLIR already supports the TFLite and onnx formats, and the models of these two formats can be directly converted into the bmodel available for TPU. What if it's not either of these formats? In fact, onnx provides a set of conversion tools that can convert models written by major deep learning frameworks on the market today to onnx format, and then proceed to bmodel

3, precision and efficiency coexist

During the process of model conversion, accuracy is sometimes lost. TPU-MLIR supports INT8 symmetric and asymmetric quantization, which can greatly improve the performance and ensure the high accuracy of the model combined with Calibration and Tune technology of the original development company. In addition, TPU-MLIR also uses a lot of graph optimization and operator segmentation optimization techniques to ensure the efficient operation of the model.

4. Achieve the ultimate cost performance and build the next generation of Deep learning compiler

In order to support graphic computation, operators in neural network model need to develop a graphic version; To adapt the TPU, a version of the TPU should be developed for each operator. In addition, some scenarios need to be adapted to different models of the same computing power processor, which must be manually compiled each time, which will be very time-consuming. The Deep learning compiler is designed to solve these problems. Tpu-mlir's range of automatic optimization tools can save a lot of manual optimization time, so that models developed on RISC-V can be smoothly and freely ported to the TPU for the best performance and price ratio.

5. Complete information

Courses include Chinese and English video teaching, documentation guidance, code scripts, etc., detailed and rich video materials detailed application guidance clear code script TPU-MLIR standing on the shoulders of MLIR giants to build, now all the code of the entire project has been open source, open to all users free of charge.

Code Download Link: https://github.com/sophgo/tpu-mlir

TPU-MLIR Development Reference Manual: https://tpumlir.org/docs/developer_manual/01_introduction.html

The Overall Design Ideas Paper: https://arxiv.org/abs/2210.15016

Video Tutorials: https://space.bilibili.com/1829795304/channel/collectiondetail?sid=734875"

Course catalog

This course introduces the hardware circuit design and basic environment set up, as well as provides some simple development examples and some basic Deep learning examples.

Milk-V Duo is an ultra-compact embedded development platform based on CV1800B. It has small size and comprehensive functionality, it is equipped with dual cores and can run linux and rtos systems separately, and has various connectable peripherals.

• Scalability: The Milk-V Duo core board has various interfaces such as GPIO, I2C, UART, SDIO1, SPI, ADC, PWM, etc.
• Diverse connectable peripherals: The Milk-V Duo core board can be expanded with various devices such as LED, portable screens, cameras, WIFI and so on.

Course features:

• The content materials are rich and complete, including development board hardware design, peripheral interface instructions, basic environment set up method, and sample code scripts.
• The learning path is scientifically reasonable, starting from the introduction and basic usage of the development board, and then leading to pratical projects to fully utilize the development board and provide reference for users' own development.
• The pratical projects are rich, and the course provides many examples of practical code usage and function demonstrations. Different functions can be implemented by simply modifying and combining the code.

The deep neural network model can be trained and tested quickly and then deployed by the industry to effectively perform tasks in the real world. Deploying such systems on small-sized, low-power Deep learning edge computing platforms is highly favored by the industry. This course takes a practice-driven approach to lead you to intuitively learn, practice, and master the knowledge and technology of deep neural networks.

The SOPHON Deep learning microserver SE5 is a high-performance, low-power edge computing product equipped with the third-generation TPU processor BM1684 developed independently by SOPHGO. With an INT8 computing power of up to 17.6 TOPS, it supports 32 channels of Full HD video hardware decoding and 2 channels of encoding. This course will quickly guide you through the powerful features of the SE5 server.  Through this course, you can understand the basics of Deep learning and master its basic applications.

Course Features

1. One-stop service 

All common problems encountered in SE5 applications can be found here.

 • Provide a full-stack solution for Deep learning micro servers

 • Break down the development process step by step, in detail and clearly

 • Support all mainstream frameworks, easy to use products

2. Systematic teaching 

It includes everything from setting up the environment, developing applications, converting models, and deploying products, as well as having a mirrored practical environment.

• How is the environment built? 

• How is the model compiled? 

• How is the application developed? 

• How are scenarios deployed?

3. Complete materials

The course includes video tutorials, document guides, code scripts, and other comprehensive materials. 

• Rich video materials 

• Detailed application guidance 

• Clear code scripts 

Code download link: https://github.com/sophon-ai-algo/examples

4. Free cloud development resources 

Online free application for using SE5-16 microserver cloud testing space 

• SE5-16 microserver cloud testing space can be used for online development and testing, supporting user data retention and export 

• SE5-16 microserver cloud testing space has the same resource performance as the physical machine environment 

Cloud platform application link: https://account.sophgo.com/sign_in?service=https://cloud.sophgo.com&locale=zh-CN

Cloud platform usage instructions: https://cloud.sophgo.com/tpu.pdf