Using Dataflow to Optimize Energy Efficiency of Deep Neural Network Accelerators

The authors demonstrate the key role dataflows play in the optimization of energy efficiency for deep neural network (DNN) accelerators. By introducing a systematic approach to analyze the problem and a new dataflow, called Row-Stationary, which is up to 2.5 times more energy efficient than existing dataflows in processing a state-of-the-art DNN, this work provides guidelines for future DNN accelerator designs.