What is the difference between APU, NPU, VPU, and MDLA in MediaTek hardware terminology?

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1

Could you explain what APU, NPU, VPU, and MDLA mean? I often see these names but get confused—are they referring to the same hardware or do they have specific differences?

2

Thank you for this question.

MediaTek defines its AI hardware accelerator collectively as NPU (Neural Processing Unit), which includes both the MDLA (MediaTek Deep Learning Accelerator) and MVPU (MediaTek Vision Processing Unit). To maintain clarity and consistency in documentation and communication, follow these naming conventions:

MediaTek Accelerator Naming Guidelines

  1. NPU (Neural Processing Unit):

    • Use “NPU” as the official term for MediaTek’s AI hardware accelerator.
    • “NPU” refers collectively to both MDLA and MVPU components.

  2. MDLA (MediaTek Deep Learning Accelerator):

    • MDLA is dedicated to accelerating Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) workloads with high efficiency.

  3. MVPU (MediaTek Vision Processing Unit):

    • MVPU offers general-purpose DSP capabilities and accelerates complex imaging and computer vision algorithms, including AI model processing.

  4. APU(AI Processing Unit):

    • “APU” was the previous-generation term for MediaTek NPU hardware.
    • For current products and documentation, use “NPU” instead of “APU”.

  5. AIA (AI Accelerator):

    • Implies to the MDLA, mention “AI accelerator” (AIA) as the general description for MediaTek’s hardware AI acceleration capabilities.

Summary Table

Abbreviation Full Name Usage Note
NPU Neural Processing Unit Official umbrella term, replaces APU
MDLA MediaTek Deep Learning Accelerator Accelerating Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) workloads
MVPU MediaTek Vision Processing Unit General-purpose DSP and AI model acceleration
APU AI Processing Unit Old-generation naming of NPU
AIA AI Accelerator Implies to the MDLA

Recommendation

When authoring documentation or communicating about MediaTek AI hardware:

  • Refer to the AI accelerator using “NPU” or “AI accelerator” (AIA) for clarity and branding consistency.
  • Avoid using legacy terms such as “APU”.

For further details on hardware capabilities, reference the official MediaTek AI hardware documentation.