Broadcom adds silicon AI features to speed new Trident networking chip

FILE PHOTO: Broadcom Limited company logo is pictured on an office building in Rancho Bernardo, California May 12, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo

(Reuters) - Tech conglomerate Broadcom added artificial intelligence features to a new version of one of its flagship networking chips, the company said on Thursday, aiming to help move information around data centers more efficiently.

Devoting a portion of the silicon in Broadcom's Trident networking processors to AI improves the chip's efficiency and its ability to handle other tasks such as network security. The new chip includes typical performance boosts such as reduced power consumption and more network bandwidth.