Software-controlled variable wavefront size execution at a GPU

Abstract

A system includes a processor configured to operate in at least a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the processor operates to execute instructions first for an entire wavefront, and then execute a next instruction for the entire wavefront. In the second mode, the processor operates to execute a set of instructions first for a portion of the wavefront, and then execute the set of instructions for another portion of the same wavefront. The system also includes a memory coupled to the processor. The memory is configured to store shader programs for execution by the processor, wherein the shader programs include at least one instruction associated with one of the first mode or the second mode. The processor is further configured to implement one of the first mode or the second mode in response to the at least one instruction present in the first shader program when executing the shader program.

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