Developing Korean-Made 'Supercomputer CPU'

▲Supercomputer 'Cheondung' developed with domestic technology. [Photo by Ministry of Education, Science and Technology]

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] The government is set to develop a central processing unit (CPU), the core of supercomputers. A total of 46 billion KRW will be invested over four years starting this year to create prototypes. Subsequently, through preliminary feasibility studies and follow-up research, the government aims to secure the technology necessary to develop supercomputer CPUs.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 26th that it will invest 46 billion KRW from this year through 2024 to lead a supercomputer development project.

Supercomputers are computers that process large volumes of data at ultra-high speeds. The government has supported the development of supercomputer technology under the Act on the Utilization and Fostering of National High-Performance Computers. Starting this year, work will begin to develop ultra-high-performance computers ranked within the top 500 worldwide. This is the first time that a supercomputer CPU will be developed in South Korea.

The CPU will be developed using a method that designs hardware (HW) and software (SW) together. First, software and computing nodes will be developed to secure and operate high-performance, low-power CPUs and core design technology for supercomputers. Then, multiple computing nodes will be connected to create a cluster system prototype. In particular, the CPU being developed this time will be specialized for supercomputing application fields.

The government plans to proceed with commercialization after the CPU prototype is produced, following preliminary feasibility studies. The Ministry of Science and ICT stated, "To utilize the research and development outcomes, the research will be promoted by including companies or institutions that use supercomputers in the consortium."

Ko Seogon, Director of Basic and Fundamental Research Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, said, "The supercomputer development leading project is a very challenging research and development task aimed at developing a supercomputer CPU," adding, "Over four years, we plan to complete a supercomputer CPU prototype and develop a supercomputer CPU using domestic technology through follow-up research and development projects."