Who is Jim Keller and what's he doing at Tenstorrent?

With a career that spans over four decades, Keller's journey through some of the industry's most significant projects, including key roles at AMD and Apple, has positioned him as a pivotal figure in the world of microprocessor design. Yet his recent position as CEO at Tenstorrent has many newbies wondering: who is Jim Keller and what's he doing at Tenstorrent?

The formative years of a CPU visionary

Born in the late 1950s, Jim Keller's interest in technology led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University, which he completed in 1980. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for a career that would see him influence major technological advancements in the semiconductor industry.

Keller's professional journey began at Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) in 1982, where he was instrumental in the development of several CPU families. It was here that Keller honed his skills and contributed to the design of the VAX 8800, Alpha 21164, and Alpha 21264 processors. These early experiences at DEC were critical in shaping his approach to CPU design, combining innovative thinking with technical prowess.

Making waves at AMD and beyond

In 1998, Keller transitioned to AMD, marking the beginning of a significant phase in his career. At AMD, he served as the lead architect for the Athlon K7 processor and the K8 microarchitecture, laying the groundwork for future advancements in computing power and efficiency. His work didn't go unnoticed; Keller's technical expertise then led him to significant roles at several major tech companies, including SiByte, Broadcom, and P.A. Semi.

As the chief architect at SiByte and Broadcom, Keller was responsible for developing MIPS-based processors for 1 Gbps network interfaces and other projects. His time at P.A. Semi, where he served as the vice president of engineering, was particularly noteworthy. Keller played a vital role in the development of the Apple A4 and A5 SoC mobile processors during his tenure at Apple. These chips powered several generations of Apple's mobile devices, marking a significant milestone in the history of mobile computing.

Tenstorrent: a new chapter in AI processing

In 2020, Keller made a significant career shift, moving from CPUs to CEO. At the helm of Tenstorrent, Keller is now focused on creating a new generation of licensable AI computing IP and hardware designed to meet the ever-growing demands of artificial intelligence workloads.

Tenstorrent's innovative approach includes the development of processors made of a grid of cores known as Tensix cores. These processors are unique in that they include network communication hardware that enables them to "talk" with other processors directly over networks instead of through traditional DRAM. This innovative approach to processor communication and design is indicative of Keller's forward-thinking philosophy in the realm of CPU design.

The LG partnership and future horizons

Recently, Tenstorrent announced a significant partnership with Korean-based giant LG. This collaboration aims to build RISC-V, AI, and Video Codec chiplets for future automotive and TV products. The deal is expected to create new jointly owned technology, blending AI features into LG's premium TV platform while incorporating video codec technology into Tenstorrent's data centre portfolio. This partnership is a testament to Tenstorrent's rising potential in the industry and reflects the company's innovative approach to AI and processor technology.

Conclusion

Jim Keller's career is a testament to his enduring impact on the semiconductor industry. From his early days at DEC to his current role at Tenstorrent, Keller has consistently pushed the boundaries of microprocessor design. His transition from traditional CPU design to the forefront of AI processing with RISC-V architecture at Tenstorrent marks yet another chapter in his distinguished career.

Under Keller's leadership, Tenstorrent has secured a $100M funding round, led by investors including Hyundai Motor Group, Samsung Catalyst Fund, and several large private equity firms. This investment is set to accelerate the development of Tenstorrent's unique technologies, including AI chiplets and an ML software roadmap, further cementing its position in the AI processing industry.

Keller's journey is a shining example of how vision, expertise, and a relentless drive for innovation can lead to remarkable achievements in technology. As the CEO of Tenstorrent, Keller is not just continuing his legacy but also redefining the future of AI processing and semiconductor technology.