In today’s rapidly transformative technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) has cemented its place in the world, creating a paradigm shift in almost every industry. While the advent of AI initially did bring slight trepidation and fear to the hearts of people, it was and is still cocooned with lots of expectation and excitement. This magnificent interdisciplinary field that leverages computing, mathematics, and science has managed to push boundaries that were once beyond our scope of imagination. These have opened many doors of opportunities for a multitude of sectors and industries.
However, as Grant Cordone, a world-renowned entrepreneur, once rightly said, “With every triumph, there’s going to be challenges”. Thanks to Laird’s innovative solutions, navigating these obstacles has never been this convenient. In this article, we will embark on an intriguing journey exploring the marvels of AI, its significance and challenges, and how Laird has stepped into the market to allow technological innovations to flourish. Moreover, this post will also give a sneak peek into Laird’s novel products and solutions, from EMC components like ferrite beads to chip inductors for power and signal lines.
Exploring the Origins of Artificial Intelligence: The Start of a Technological Revolution
While AI truly flourished between the years 1957 and 1974, it all began in the first half of the 20th century when scientists introduced the concept of artificially intelligent machines to the world. They believed that these machines could be created with ‘general intelligence’, allowing them to mimic human reasoning and behaviour. This would give the machines the ability to learn and perform any intellectual task a human could do. By the 1950s, the term “Artificial Intelligence” was coined by John McCarthy, a computer scientist, who, with the help of a number of other pioneers, laid the groundwork for AI research.
Despite garnering a massive interest in AI, even in terms of funding and research, the conference held on behalf of what was to be the first AI programme fell short of expectations. As disillusionment set in the 1970s, a period known as the ‘AI winter’ came about, dwindling any hope for progress. This cycle occurred again in the 80s and 90s, ending with the same result. However, things started to change and gained traction in the 2000s, setting the stage for a glorious comeback. This renaissance occurred due to three major game changers: digital data, computing power, and machine learning algorithms. Armed with these three tools, artificial intelligence was back on the map.
Understanding the Benefits and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence: Demystifying Artificial Intelligence
Benefits
AI has made a significant impact on various industries, from finance and healthcare to an array of other integral sectors, including manufacturing. For instance, in the medical field, AI has paved the way for the early detection of certain diseases using AI-driven diagnostic tools due to their enhanced precision. When it comes to finance, AI algorithms play a crucial role in predicting market trends. In the electronic industry, implementing AI with products has allowed manufacturers to automate and optimise production tasks, leading to enhanced productivity.
Challenges
Although the electronic industry has benefited tremendously from the advent of AI, it is not free of hurdles. Factors such as algorithm bias, data privacy and security concerns have plagued this industry, leading to the rise in demand for solutions to combat these issues. Another obstacle is the difficulty faced with integrating AI with certain advanced technologies, such as IoT and 5G, into a single system. Moreover, the path is also laden with other challenging facets like overall expenditure, performance concerns, and their impact on the environment.
Taking a Closer Look at the Hurdles Faced with Operating AI Hardware: Achieving Operational Excellence with Laird
Founded by John Laird in 1824, Laird Technologies initially built numerous ships for the Royal Navy, but in the 1980s, the company moved into the business of selling security products. The company then stepped into the electronic industry in the 1990s and today, it is one of the world leaders in this field, delivering tailored, innovative solutions that push the boundaries of technology. Let’s have a glance at some of the unprecedented performance hurdles faced with powering AI hardware (chips) and how Laird navigated these concerns to attain optimal performance and reliability:
Obstacle 1: Crossing the Hurdle of Overheating
When it comes to AI accelerators (chips), these components play a crucial role in processing a large amount of data whilst carrying out complex computations. These functions are done within a fraction of a second, and therefore, AI chips require a lot of power to do so. These processes are unfortunately associated with the obstacle of excessive heating. This is a significant concern and has troubled many designers as thermal interface materials do not typically have a low thermal resistance. Thermal interface materials with low thermal resistance will ensure these large conductive heats are transferred. The benefit? Reduced processor failures, faster performance, and lower temperature spikes.
Laird’s Solution: The company offers an extensive thermal interface material portfolio that not only comes with low resistance but also mitigates the need for high energy costs due to cooling. It also addresses other AI challenges, such as high device power density and unreliability.
Obstacle 2: Navigating Electromagnetic Interference Issues
Another common concern with AI chips is excessive electromagnetic interference (EMI) and this issue is further heightened by the use of high board densities. These tightly packed board designs are essential for ensuring integrated circuit reliability but may result in performance failures due to overheating.
Laird’s Solution: Thanks to Laird’s novel product solutions and innovative tools, engineers and designers now have access to products that can help them manage any excessive heat or EMI issues. For more information on Laird’s steward inductive components and other products like ferrite core cables, chip inductors, and ferrite beads, reach out to us at Acton Technology.
Obstacle 3: Overcoming Excessive Noise Interruptions
AI chips are intricate electronic components that comprise large data sets with computing hardware and machine learning algorithms. When dealing with such high-powered AI chip architectures, engineers and designers are often plagued by excessive noise concerns.
Laird’s Solution: In the quest to address excessive noise concerns, Laird provides short wavelength absorbers that will not only mitigate this problem but will also ensure high reliability. Their absorbers are designed from dispensable 3D thermoplastic absorbers that can meet AI hardware’s high-frequency needs and trends.
Receive Top-Tier Products and Services from Singapore’s Most Trusted Distributor of Electronic Components: Acton Technology!
With over two decades of experience in the electronic and semiconductor industry, Acton Technology has the expertise to navigate the technological challenges any company faces. With a comprehensive range of top-notch products and services, you can rely on us to transform your AI system into a roaring success. When you partner with Acton Technology, you partner with inspiration, innovation, and excellence. So don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity! Get in touch with us and get more information about Laird’s steward inductive components and other integral AI components now!
