Latest news with #NPU
Business Insider
6 days ago
- Business Insider
'Summer Heat' Proves Raptor Lake Killer, Intel Stock (NASDAQ:INTC) Gains Regardless
While indeed, the heat this summer has been rough in some places—perhaps more so than in others—there is one place that summer heat probably should not be such an issue: chip stock Intel's (INTC) product line. But a Firefox engineer is sounding a wildly unexpected warning, one that Intel shareholders do not seem to be taking to heart. Intel shares were actually up nearly 2% in Friday afternoon's trading. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Make smarter investment decisions with TipRanks' Smart Investor Picks, delivered to your inbox every week. Right now in Europe—where summer is in full swing—a heatwave is in progress. And that heatwave is bringing with it an unexpected failure in Raptor Lake chips. Gabriele Svelto, a senior staff engineer working on the Mozilla browser, brought up the issue out at Mastodon. Svelto noted 'If you have an Intel Raptor Lake system and you're in the northern hemisphere, chances are that your machine is crashing more often because of the summer heat.' While these are not full system crashes—rather, browser crashes—the news comes from a series of compiled crash reports that seem to be coming from places that are unusually hot. Svelto continued, noting 'Things are so bad at this time that we had to disable a bot that was filing crash reports automatically because it was almost only finding crashes from people with affected systems.' Other explanations, like system cooler issues, could be in play, but the crash reports correlating to heat maps is an unsettling development. Upgrade Canceled While Raptor Lake chips are turning downright crispy in this heat, there is another lake with a bit of a problem: Arrow Lake. A recent leak revealed that the Arrow Lake-S update, set to arrive in late 2025, may not provide the improvements in artificial intelligence (AI) capability that was initially hoped. Arrow Lake chips use the NPU 3 design, which originally came out back in 2023. Reports suggest that there were plans to bump Arrow Lake up to the NPU 4 that shows up in Lunar Lake chips, but apparently, that will not happen after all. NPU 3 can only offer 11.5 trillions of operations per second (TOPS), while NPU 4 offers 48 TOPS. Given that Copilot+ requires 40 TOPS, it seems that Arrow Lake will fall short of the hoped-for capability. Is Intel a Buy, Hold or Sell? Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Hold consensus rating on INTC stock based on one Buy, 26 Holds and four Sells assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After a 30.87% loss in its share price over the past year, the average INTC price target of $21.60 per share implies 6.76% downside risk.
The Verge
08-07-2025
- The Verge
Microsoft's Copilot Plus features might arrive on desktop PCs later this year
Microsoft's latest Windows AI features arrived first on new Copilot Plus PCs last year, but they were limited to a special range of laptops. That looks set to change thanks to Intel refreshing its existing Arrow Lake desktop CPUs later this year, that might just deliver Copilot Plus PC features in desktop PC form factors for the first time. Intel's latest Core Ultra desktop CPUs launched in October with an NPU inside, but it wasn't capable enough to hit the 40 TOPS requirement that Microsoft mandates for Copilot Plus features. ZDNet Korea reports that Intel is now preparing an Arrow Lake Refresh that will include higher clock speeds and a more advanced NPU that should be capable of Copilot Plus features. The new NPU design will reportedly move the refreshed Core Ultra 200 lineup to a newer 'NPU 4' design, the same NPU architecture found on Intel's Lunar Lake laptop CPUs that got Copilot Plus AI features in November. This would allow for true desktop PCs with a capable NPU, instead of Copilot Plus only being available on mini PCs and all-in-one PCs that use laptop processors. It sounds like a newer NPU will be the main part of Intel's Arrow Lake Refresh, as it will reportedly not include addition CPU or GPU cores over the existing Core Ultra 200 chips. More space on the chip for NPU features will disappoint gamers who have been waiting for Intel to be more competitive in the desktop CPU space, though. The first Arrow Lake chips ran more efficiently and cooler, but the PC gaming performance was disappointing and often behind Intel's previous Raptor Lake CPUs. Intel admitted that its Arrow Lake launch 'didn't go as planned,' but a series of BIOS updates have done little to change the gaming performance situation. It now looks unlikely that Intel will compete with AMD's Ryzen 9800X3D and 9950X3D chips in gaming performance until its next generation Nova Lake CPUs launch in 2026.
India.com
03-07-2025
- Science
- India.com
Big tension for Trump, Putin as China successfully tests hypersonic missile Feitian-2,' it uses atmospheric oxygen for..., is developed by...
As conflicts continue to erupt around the world, every country boosts its defense readiness for the greater threats that are imminent. Every country is arming itself with modern warfare capabilities and advanced weapons to maintain a military advantage in a world where national security is getting increasingly volatile. In what may be a significant breakthrough for hypersonic technology, China has successfully demonstrated a test flight of its Feitian-2 hypersonic vehicle in northwestern China, where it was able to switch between different propulsion modalities in flight — a significant hurdle in the future development of hypersonic vehicles. Who developed the Feitian-2 hypersonic vehicle? The Feitian-2 hypersonic vehicle was developed as a part of the cooperation between Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) and the Shaanxi Province Aerospace and Astronautics Propulsion Research Institute, as reported by the Economic Times. The flight is consistent with the advancements made by Feitian-1 when it successfully flew in July 2022 and demonstrates useful data for many physical understandings rich in applications regarding Rocket-Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) engine technology. The flight offers performance parameters that form a useful physical basis for future engineering research on aerodynamics and high-speed propulsion. Top features of Feitian-2 that make it stand out! How atmospheric oxygen helps Feitian-2 The standout feature of Feitian-2 is its Rocket-Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) engine operating on a kerosene and hydrogen peroxide combination. In contrast to traditional hypersonic vehicles, which are fueled by cryogenic fuels such as liquid oxygen, the Feitian-2 craft incorporates atmospheric oxygen for portions of the flight. The use of atmospheric oxygen reduces onboard oxidizers, enhancing fuel efficiency. Feitian-2 different modes The flight experiment with Feitian-2 successfully showed a seamless switch from the first ejector mode, where rockets provide thrust for take-off, to ramjet mode (air-breathing propulsion). This smooth mode switch will be a significant benchmark for sustained hypersonic flight. The engine also showed its variable-geometry intake capability, demonstrating the ability for flow to be controlled automatically in real time. The control of airflow in real-time means that performance can be improved with speed and altitude. This central dynamic feature makes the engine more reliable and the system more efficient with complex flight profiles. How are Feitian-1 and Feitian-2 different? Feitian-2 has several additions as compared to its predecessor, Feitian-1. It features larger tail fins, and new wings just in front of the rocket's nose, improving the stability and maneuverability during high-speed high-altitude flight. Overall, the upgrades will allow for greater aerodynamic control and flight accuracy in more extreme conditions. This test also verified that Feitian-2 can fly autonomously. It was able to alter its angle of attack during flight based on the needs of the mission and the conditions around it. This ability is going to be very important for future unmanned hypersonic systems for both military and scientific missions. Feitian-2 is powered by a kerosene-hydrogen peroxide mixture instead of the traditional cryogenic fuels. While kerosene has less energy even than liquid hydrogen, it is much simpler to store and handle, which leads to a simpler vehicle layout and overcomes the need for heavy cooling systems. Meanwhile, Feitian-1 had previously demonstrated the use of kerosene in hypersonic engines. Moreover, Feitian-2 uses hydrogen peroxide, which is a liquid oxidizer, improving the overall weight of the vehicle while providing stable thrust. This fuel combination may be a factor in the design and operation of hypersonic vehicles in the future. China's recent advances in hypersonic technology are likely causing the US some concern. Although both America and Russia have been trying to develop combined-cycle engines for years, they have had little success. The Feitian-2 testing shows that China is making significant gains in gathering real, valuable data for hypersonic engine design, and they are showing progress in a difficult area that can bring real challenges. The Feitian-2 test flight has elevated China to a competitive status in the world hypersonic technology race by demonstrating its ability to switch between propulsion modes in flight and with an autonomous control structure while actively managing airflow. These advances may have potential uses besides defense, including fast transportation uses and civilian rapid-response systems.
Economic Times
02-07-2025
- Science
- Economic Times
China tests Feitian 2 hypersonic missile powered by kerosene and air-breathing tech that could reshape the future of missiles
In a key advancement for hypersonic technology, China has completed a successful test flight of its Feitian 2 hypersonic vehicle in northwestern China. The test demonstrated the vehicle's ability to switch between different propulsion modes during flight, a major challenge in the development of hypersonic systems. Developed by Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) with support from the Shaanxi Province Aerospace and Astronautics Propulsion Research Institute, Feitian 2 builds on the earlier Feitian 1, which flew in July 2022. The latest flight marks progress in rocket-based combined cycle (RBCC) engine technology and offers valuable data for further research in high-speed propulsion and aerodynamics. The key feature of Feitian 2 is its RBCC engine, powered by a mix of kerosene and hydrogen peroxide. Unlike conventional hypersonic vehicles that use cryogenic fuels like liquid oxygen, Feitian 2 uses atmospheric oxygen for part of its flight, reducing the need for onboard oxidizers and improving fuel flight successfully showed a smooth switch from ejector mode, where rockets provide thrust at take-off, to ramjet mode, where the engine uses air-breathing propulsion. This transition is considered critical for sustained hypersonic flight. The engine also demonstrated variable-geometry intake capability, allowing it to control airflow in real time for improved performance at different speeds and 2 includes several upgrades over its earlier version. It has larger tail fins and new wings near the rocket head. These additions help improve stability and control at high speeds and altitudes. The test also confirmed that Feitian 2 can fly autonomously. It adjusted its angle of attack during flight based on the mission's needs and the surrounding conditions. This ability is expected to be important for future unmanned hypersonic systems used in both military and scientific 2's use of a kerosene–hydrogen peroxide mix is a shift away from traditional cryogenic fuels. While kerosene has less energy than liquid hydrogen, it is easier to store and handle. This makes the vehicle design simpler and reduces the need for heavy cooling 1 had already shown that kerosene could work in hypersonic engines. Feitian 2 adds hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizer, cutting weight and keeping thrust stable. This fuel approach could influence how future hypersonic vehicles are built and Feitian 2 test flight puts China in a strong position in the international race for hypersonic technology. The vehicle's ability to change propulsion modes mid-flight, along with its autonomous systems and airflow control, is a major technical achievement. These developments could support both defence and civilian uses, including fast transport and rapid-response platforms.
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First Post
02-07-2025
- Science
- First Post
‘Feitian 2': What we know about China's new hypersonic craft and why it matters
China successfully tested its new hypersonic craft 'Feitian 2' at a site in the northwest of the country. Experts have expressed concern at the development and the pace at which Beijing's hypersonic missile programme is evolving. But what do we know about it? read more China has a new hypersonic craft nicknamed the 'Feitian 2'. AP China has a new hypersonic craft. The craft named 'Feitian 2' was successfully tested at a site in northwest China. Experts have expressed concern at the development and the pace at which Beijing's hypersonic missile programme is evolving. But what do we know about the 'Feitian 2'? Why does it matter? Let's take a closer look: What we know The 'Feitian 2' was developed by scientists at the Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU). It is an experimental, reusable vehicle. The Shaanxi Province Aerospace and Astronautics Propulsion Research Institute also participated in the project. The craft is said to have reached speeds of up to Mach 12 (14,800 kmph). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The NPU-led team said the development marked the first time real-flight data has been collected for a rocket-based combined cycle (RBCC) engine using a kerosene-hydrogen peroxide propellant. The team said the test flight demonstrated the 'Feitian 2's' capabilities to transition between various flight modes. This included toggling between ejector mode at take off It also demonstrated key capabilities including variable-geometry intake operation, thrust-varying acceleration and autonomous flight with variable angle of attack. The Chinese researchers have claimed that this allows the craft to change its inner structure during the operation as well as autonomously change its trajectory and angle if needed. The 'Feitian 2' was developed by scientists at the Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU). Image courtesy: X The test comes three years after the 'Feitian 1' had a test flight in July 2022. The 'Feitian 2'has larger tail fins compared to its predecessor. It also has wings near its rocket head. This helps the craft better stabilise and control itself. Why it matters Hypersonic missiles usually use liquid oxygen combined with kerosene or liquid hydrogen as propellants. The 'Feitian 1' showed kerosene can be used as fuel for the propulsion system. Meanwhile, the 'Feitian 2' used a kerosene and hydrogen peroxide propellant. This allows it to get rid of complex cryogenic systems needed. It essentially combines a traditional rocket engine with that of a ramjet – which relies on oxygen. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This may sound simple, but it is in fact a ground-breaking achievement. The 'Feitian 2' does this because its RBCC engine, unlike those of normal hypersonic missiles which used liquid oxygen, is designed to use atmospheric oxygen. It thus massively brings down the weight of the oxidiser – which is needed at high altitudes or in thin atmosphere – used during the flight. This in turn increases the craft's possible payload as well as its fuel efficiency. It also gets rid off the need for a heavy cooling system. Achieving smooth transitions between different flight modes has thus far been a problem for hypersonic missiles and crafts. However, it seems that the NPU-led team has solved this problem, which is a massive scientific achievement. The test also showed that the vehicle was capable of autonomous flight. The researchers say that the successful test flight of the 'Feitian 2' will aid the future development of supersonic crafts and missiles. They say this could result in reusable military drones, hypersonic reconnaissance crafts and even civilian transport ships. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It also puts China ahead of its competitors including the US and Russia in the field of hypersonic missile tech. Beijing already has a number of hypersonic missiles including the DF-100, Starry Sky-2, YJ-21 and Lingyun-1. China also has developed a number of hypersonic glide vehicles including the DF-ZF, which is paired with the DF-17 ballistic missile. This achievement comes even as the NPU remains under US sanctions. Undergraduate students from NPU also have a tough time obtaining US visas. US experts have expressed concern at the development, saying that China has basically used research done in the US as a springboard to leap ahead. With inputs from agencies
