Programmable streaming processor with mixed precision instruction execution

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a programmable streaming processor that is capable of executing mixed-precision (e.g., full-precision, half-precision) instructions using different execution units. The various execution units are each capable of using graphics data to execute instructions at a particular precision level. An exemplary programmable shader processor includes a controller and multiple execution units. The controller is configured to receive an instruction for execution and to receive an indication of a data precision for execution of the instruction. The controller is also configured to receive a separate conversion instruction that, when executed, converts graphics data associated with the instruction to the indicated data precision. When operable, the controller selects one of the execution units based on the indicated data precision. The controller then causes the selected execution unit to execute the instruction with the indicated data precision using the graphics data associated with the instruction.

Description

technical field [0001] This disclosure relates to graphics processing, and more particularly, to graphics processor architecture. Background technique [0002] Graphics devices are widely used for rendering two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional ( 3-D) image. A graphics device may perform various graphics operations to render images. The graphics operations may include rasterization, stencil and depth testing, texture mapping, shading, and the like. A 3-D image can be modeled with several surfaces, and each surface can be approximated with polygons (eg, triangles). The number of triangles used to represent a 3-D image for rendering purposes depends on the complexity of the surface and the desired resolution of the image. [0003] Each triangle may be defined by three vertices, and each vertex is associated with various attributes such as spatial coordinates, color values, and texture coordinates. When a graphics device uses a vertex processor during a rendering pro...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, this circuitry can often require more power, and the execution units can take up more physical space within the shader processor integrated circuit used by the graphics device

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