Understanding the Computing Power of Tesla Cars
Tesla cars are equipped with powerful onboard computing systems that vary depending on the model and year. These systems are crucial for features such as Autopilot, Navigate on Autopilot, and the Full Self-Driving Beta. As of 2023, the latest Tesla vehicles feature the Full Self-Driving (FSD) computer, also known as Hardware 3. This system includes dual AI chips capable of processing up to 72 trillion operations per second (TOPS), providing a total processing capability of about 144 TOPS when both chips are used in tandem.
Neural Network Capabilities
The FSD computer is designed to run complex neural networks that process data from the car’s sensors, including cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors. This combination of highly advanced processors and neural network capabilities allows Tesla to provide sophisticated autonomous driving features and continuous software improvements through over-the-air updates, a custom-designed Tesla Operating System.
Redundancy and Performance
Tesla uses two processors for redundancy and cross-referencing results, not to increase performance. Both computers sync about 20 times per second, which may seem like a long time from a human perspective but is standard in the computing world. This redundancy ensures safety and reliability in critical Autopilot systems.
Tesla’s Autopilot System
The Autopilot system in Tesla cars uses a dedicated and highly specialized computer. Created by Tesla, it meets stringent processing power consumption and cost requirements. Every Tesla made is equipped with the Autopilot hardware, even for vehicles purchased without the Full Self-Driving option. The 'brain' of Autopilot is a single board computer, the HW3.0, which houses two processor chips with separate power supplies. Redundancy is integrated into critical Autopilot systems for enhanced safety and reliability.
Processor Details
The HW 3.0 processor chips are Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). Each chip contains 12 CPUs operating at 2.2 GHz, a GPU operating at 1 GHz, and two custom neural processing units operating at 2 GHz. These units are specifically designed to perform neural net fixed point 8-bit matrix multiplication operations extremely fast. The total neural processing power is 73.73 TOPS, or 73.73 trillion operations per second.
Safety, Reliability, and Innovation
Tesla's commitment to safety and reliability is evident in the design of their onboard computing systems. The use of dual processors for redundancy ensures that critical functions are not compromised. Additionally, the integration of advanced neural processing units and constant software updates through over-the-air updates keeps the computing capabilities relevant and effective.
Further Reading
For more detailed information on Tesla's computer hardware and design philosophy, you can refer to Tesla's official documentation.
Overall, Tesla's computing power is a key component in delivering advanced autonomous driving features and ensuring a safe and reliable driving experience.