GPGPU is a General Purpose Graphics Processing Unit. A GPU or Graphics Processing Unit finds its use mainly in 3-D applications. It has a one chipped processor instead of two or four chips. It lessens the burden on the CPU by creating lighting effects and thereby transforming objects on each occasion a 3-D scene is brought forth and accelerates the graphic operation. It was released in 1999 by NVIDIA. GPGPU denotes the use of Graphics Processing Units, for purposes other than computer graphics, like Parallel Computing too. GPGPUs are available on mobile devices too, for running prime operating systems.
Overview
A General Purpose Graphics Processing Unit executes all the routine calculations that are otherwise performed by the CPU or Central Processing Unit. This means scientific computations; encryption and decryption, generation of Bitcoin to name a few all can be effectively completed by GPGPUs.
The intent of NVIDIA when the GPU was released was to make the rasterised graphics much more realistic by enabling its 3D transformation. Also bump mapping, lighting computations and specular mapping could be successfully achieved. These functionalities became more pronounced with the introduction of Windows Vista and the subsequent integration of the GPU with the operating system.
Whereas GPU has prominent use in graphic related operations, GPGPU finds uses in graphics plus any programming unit for anything which can be parallelised. It is noteworthy that there is almost no difference between GPU and GPGPU for most of the graphic cards. You need to understand that, if a graphics card is showing compatibility with any of the frameworks that gives access to general purpose computation also, then it is a GPGPU. Therefore, a GPU can be a GPGPU too.
How does it work?
NVIDIA CUDA is basically a software development kit with Application Programming interface, that has inbuilt C programming syntax language in its architecture. The coded algorithms are then ready for execution in the Graphic Processing Units.
The GPGPU acceleration is supported by MATLAB by means of Toolbox for Parallel Computing and also the Computing Server distributed by MATLAB. The computer graphic cards which form the hardware are located in the mother board. These are supported by NVIDIA and AMD.
Considering the uses and increasing applications of GPGPU, the demand for GPGPU developers is on the assent.
What are the qualifications you should look for in a GPGPU developer?
Basic qualification of Bachelors or Masters in Computer Science, Mathematics or Physics is expected. A GPGPU developer must have advanced knowledge with certifications in C and C++ and expertise in development using these. Knowledge of Software engineering practices and adequate understanding of the operating systems are highly desirable. Advanced knowledge in F# and Open CL is recommended.
Where will you look to hire a GPGPU developer?
If you’re looking for a solution for your GPGPU needs or if you are looking to trial a freelancer to see if they provide the levels of expertise you are looking for, using a platform such as Freelancer.com is a fantastic option.
Simply log onto the Freelancer.com website and search through a bank of talented freelancers who are willing and able to provide their services to you for your project.