NPU
Neural Processing Unit
A dedicated processor for AI computation — fast and energy-efficient
In Simple Terms
An NPU is a computer chip built specifically for AI tasks. It's designed from the ground up to handle AI computations faster and with less power consumption. By taking over AI workloads that used to fall on the CPU or GPU, the NPU lets each component do what it does best — significantly reducing the load on the overall system. Because it cuts power consumption so dramatically, the NPU makes it possible to run advanced AI features even on battery-powered devices like smartphones and laptops.
Behind the Name
NPU stands for Neural Processing Unit. Neural means "relating to nerves or the nervous system," Processing means "handling computations," and Unit means "a component." In short, it's a dedicated chip built to efficiently run neural network calculations — the type of AI logic inspired by how the human brain works.
Take a Closer Look!
An NPU is a computer chip purpose-built for AI processing.
It's a processor developed specifically to efficiently handle the complex calculations involved in neural networks — a type of AI computation inspired by the neural circuits of the human brain.
The defining feature of an NPU is that it's designed from the ground up to run AI computations both faster and with far less power consumption.
In the past, AI workloads were largely handled by general-purpose CPUs or graphics-focused GPUs — but those chips consumed a lot of power when crunching the massive amounts of data that AI requires.
By taking on the AI workload as a dedicated specialist, the NPU enables smart role-sharing that significantly reduces strain on the overall system.
This role-sharing cuts power consumption dramatically, making the NPU especially valuable in battery-powered devices like smartphones and laptops, where running advanced AI features would otherwise drain the battery too quickly.
NPUs are also being adopted in AI-capable PCs and other consumer devices, making this technology an increasingly familiar part of everyday life.