FrugalAI Chip: Deterministic Modular Architecture for Low-Cost NPUs, A High Capital Efficiency (CAPEX) Approach for Disposable AI

FrugalAI Chip: Deterministic Modular Architecture for Disposable AI — Complete Research Artifacts & Reproducibility Suite Description: 🚀 Overview This Zenodo package contains the complete research implementation, experimental data, and publication manuscript for FrugalAI Chip, a disruptive semiconductor architecture that redefines the economics of Edge AI. As transistor costs in advanced nodes (3nm) skyrocket due to the end of Dennard scaling, FrugalAI proposes a radical alternative: extreme modularity using mature 28nm technology combined with deterministic algorithmic decomposition. This approach decouples system performance from lithographic density, achieving unprecedented capital efficiency (CAPEX) for massive-scale deployment. 🧩 Core Innovations & Breakthroughs Mathematical Foundation: Validated matrix decomposition isomorphism ($\Delta < 10^{-6}$), proving that neural networks can be parallelized without complex cache coherence protocols. The "Ensemble Effect": Contrary to the expectation of degradation, the modular partitioning results in a +4.8% accuracy improvement on CIFAR-10 (78.86% vs 74.04%), as independent chiplets act as a natural ensemble of experts. Transformer Viability (The "Plot Twist"): The research overcomes the "Global Attention" bottleneck inherent in modular architectures. By implementing Algorithm 2 (Adapted Local Attention), the system achieves a 21.47× speedup and an 8× reduction in communication overhead for lightweight Transformers. Sustainable "Green AI": A lifecycle analysis reveals a 91% reduction in embodied carbon compared to 3nm nodes, making FrugalAI the only ecologically viable solution for short-lifecycle devices (95% (vs ~30% for large monolithic dies) 🎯 Target Applications Disposable AI: Cost-sensitive edge applications (Smart packaging, Toys, Single-use sensors). Massive IoT: Infrastructure requiring thousands of low-cost units (Smart Cities). Defense & Dual-Use: Affordable autonomous swarms and asymmetric defense systems. Education: Accessible hardware for democratizing AI research in developing regions. ⚖️ Licensing Code & Data: Licensed under PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0 (Free for academic and non-profit use). Commercial Use: Requires explicit licensing (see COPYRIGHT.md in the GitHub repository). For source code updates and community discussions, visit the GitHub Repository: 🔗 https://github.com/NachoPeinador/FRUGAL_AI_CHIP