The Cyberdyne NNP - World's First Neural Net Processor - T1000, Fan Fic

ChipScapes

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About this Artwork

Developed around 1994, the Cyberdyne Systems Neural Net Processor (NNP) paved the way for all sentient machine learning systems. The flexible NNP architecture was the basis of the Skynet system and was also used in all terminator machines in a reduced form factor. Dr. Miles Dyson is considered by many to be the inventor of the NNP, but controversy surrounds the attribution due to timeline paradox issues.

The technology found in the Neural Net Processor (NNP) was far beyond any of its competitors. Other processors of the time were all von Neuman CMOS processors, including the Intel Pentium, the DEC Alpha, and the IBM ES/9000. Comparisons of the enormous processing power of the NNP over these processors are meaningless. The NNP module used in this display is an early prototype. It has not had its protective covers installed, so the individual chips are visible. The image on the front of the artwork is an extremely closeup on one of the NNP quantum processors.

The NNP was a Quantum/Classical hybrid built with room-temperature superconducting materials. The massively parallel architecture of the NNP was designed for unlimited processor nodes. However, due to physical constraints, no NNP was built with more than 30 nodes. Each node contained a 100MQb (Mega-Quibits) quantum processor that operated alongside a 128-bit classical processor. Information access between these two processors was by a 1TB on-chip multi-ported memory. Because of the superconducting nature of the NNP, processing and access of information were nearly instantaneous. Each node could operate independently, or in tandem with others, or in any combination. The communications between nodes utilized a non-locking optical fabric that facilitated near-instantaneous messaging. Access to a common 128TB nonvolatile memory allowed shared access to all information stored. Also, due to the non-resistive nature of superconductivity, the NNP generated negligible heat.

The physical design of the NNP was influenced by the IBM System/360 processor's modules (pictured above). This multi-node design is clearly reflected in the NNP's structure. Prior to the NNP, the IBM System/360 was arguably the most important system in computer history.

This artwork is unique in that it celebrates a fictional computer chip, the Cyberdyne Neutral Net Processor (NNP). The NNP module mockup is made from logic and memory silicon wafers (which are very fiery in different lighting, see pictures). The circuit board/body is a military-grade circuit board that was used in communications. 

This artwork includes 4 elements. The art on the front is a mash-up of different "normal" computer chips. It has the NNP mockup. On the back is a narrative describing the artwork and fan-fic about the NNP (little actual documentation is available :), and the artist’s signature. Also included is the IBM System/360 Processor logic module that the NNP is based on.

    Framing: 

    The artwork is framed in an 11"x14" black shadow box frame, with glass. All framing materials are acid-free. A narrative about the artwork that includes the artist’s signature is placed on the back of the artwork.

    Please note:  The look of the artifacts in the artworks may vary, each piece is unique.