Physics processing unit: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 02:47, 21 November 2005

Revision as of 06:51, 21 November 2005

Line 1:

A '''PPUphysics processing unit''' (Physics Processing Unit'''PPU''') is a dedicated [[Central processing unit|processor]] designed to handle the calculations of [[physics]], mainlyprimarily in [[video game]]s. Examples of calculations a PPU might do include [[rigid body dynamics]], soft body dynamics, [[collision detection]], [[fluid dynamics]], hair and clothing simulation, [[finite element analysis]], and fracturing of objects. The idea is that specialized processors can do quickly what would take longer for a [[Central processing unit|CPU]], analogous to the way a [[Graphics processing unit|GPU]] performs optimized graphics operations.

==PhysX==

The first processor to call itself a PPU was called the [[PhysX]] chip, introduced by a fabless [[semiconductor]] company called [[Ageia]]. The PhysX PPU is programmed with [[Ageia]]'s NovodexNovodeX [[Software development kit|SDK]]. The NovodeX [[Application programming interface|API]] can also be used to program physics for general purpose hardware, but it is just specialized to run optimally on the [[PhysX]] hardware.

On [[July 20]] [[2005]], [[Sony]] signed an agreement with Ageia to use the Novodex SDK in the [[Playstation 3]].[http://ps3.ign.com/articles/635/635492p1.html] [[Microsoft]] also added the NovodeX SDK to the [[Xbox 360]] development kits. [http://www.ageia.com/pr_03092005.html]

Slated for release sometime in 2005, the PhysX will be manufactured by companies like [[ASUS]], akin to the way [[graphics card]]s are manufactured.

== Hardware Specs ==

The [[Nintendo]] [[Nintendo Revolution|Revolution]] is rumored to also contain a PPU chip.

== Hardware Specs ==

Currently these are the only specs available for their first chip set to launch by the end of 2005.

*125 million transistors

*182 mm^2² die size

*130 nm process technology from TSMC

*20 watts power consumption

Line 19 ⟶ 17:

==External links==

*[http://www.gamers-depot.com/interviews/agiea/001.htm PC Hardware: Ageia PhysX Interview]

*[http://www.ageia.com/ Ageia Official Website]

*[http://www.ageia.com/pdf/wp_2005_3_physics_gameplay.pdf Physics, Gameplay and the Physics Processing Unit White Paper (pdf format)]

*[http://www.gamers-depot.com/interviews/agiea/001.htm PC Hardware: Ageia PhysX Interview]

*[http://www.pcper.com/article.php?aid=140&type=expert&pid=1 PC Perspective: AGEIA PhysX Physics Processing Unit Preview]