AI Basics: Processing Unit

16 Apr 2025

AI Basics: Processing Unit

Recently, Google released a new computer chip, called Ironwood

About Ironwood

  • Ironwood is  Google’s seventh-generation TPU, or tensor processing unit, which has been designed to run artificial intelligence (AI) models.

What Are Processing Units?

  • Processing units are the core hardware components that perform computing tasks.
  • They act like the brain of a computer, handling operations such as calculations, image processing, and command execution.
  • For Example:
    • GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), Central Processing Unit.

CPU vs GPU vs TPU

Feature CPU GPU TPU
Purpose General-purpose processing Parallel processing for graphics & AI TPUs are custom-built processors developed by Google for AI and machine learning.
Core Count 2–16 cores Thousands of smaller cores Fewer, highly optimized cores
Processing Style Sequential Parallel Parallel, tensor-optimized
Use Case Operating systems, general tasks Gaming, video editing, AI workloads Deep learning, neural network training
Speed (AI Tasks) Slowest Faster Fastest (high throughput AI performance)
Flexibility Highly flexible Moderate flexibility Highly specialized

Conclusion

While CPUs remain essential for general computing, GPUs offer strong performance for parallel tasks, and TPUs take specialization further by accelerating AI and machine learning tasks with unmatched efficiency.

Archive Calendar

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

Know about Physics Wallah

Physics Wallah is an Indian online education platform, that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students of classes 6 to 12 and those preparing for JEE and NEET exams. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample papers, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers, which makes us a one-stop solution for all resources. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.

We Stand Out because

We successfully provide students with intensive courses by India's qualified & experienced faculties. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.

Our Key Focus Areas

Physics Wallah’s main focus is to create accessible learning experiences for students all over India. With courses like Lakshya, Udaan, Arjuna & many others, we have been able to provide a ready solution for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formulae to giving e-books of eminent authors, PW aims to provide reliable solutions for student prep.

What Makes Us Different

Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others.

Aiming for UPSC?

Download Our App

# #
Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">






    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.