Can somebody explain why the Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ 13 TOPS has 26 TOPS silicon on it (Hailo part number HNC18BI11BH). Are they actually limiting it to 13 TOPS somehow, or what is going on here?
The Hailo-8 is a superset device relative to the Hailo-8L, so it can run models compiled for both Hailo-8 and Hailo-8L.
We revised the datasheet and issued PCN 1002-01 to introduce an additional Hailo-8L device flavor in order to support ongoing supply availability. As part of this change, some Hailo-8L devices may carry the Hailo-8 part marking HNC18BI11BH.
This is documented in the Hailo-8L datasheet section 1.6. Ordering Information:
“The Hailo-8L device is shipped with the marking HNC1LBI11BH or HNC18BI11BH.”
Thats confusing. So is there a way to tell from looking at package markings if it is 8 or 8L?
That’s fair. It can definitely be confusing.
There is not currently a simple package marking to distinguish between them.
We chose this approach to improve supply availability and manufacturing flexibility. Semiconductor production cycles are long, so this helps us maintain continuity of supply when inventory levels fluctuate.
If you have a project specific concern where this distinction matters, feel free to send me a PM and I’ll do my best to help.