APD Work Queue Dispatch from User Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computing systems face challenges in utilizing GPUs for general computation due to constrained programming environments, separate memory systems, inefficient scheduling, and limited support for non-graphics workloads, leading to high latency and power consumption issues when executing computational commands.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allocate an Accelerated Processing Device (APD) work queue via a kernel mode driver, allowing commands to be forwarded and dispatched from the APD, enabling unified programming and execution environments for CPUs and APDs, and optimizing resource utilization through scheduling and memory management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If commands are dispatched from user mode directly to APD, then latency is reduced and productivity is improved, but system complexity increases due to work queue allocation and scheduling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a work queue as an intermediary data structure between user mode applications and the APD. The work queue is allocated in GPU memory and serves as a buffer that decouples command submission from command execution, allowing user mode to dispatch commands directly to APD without kernel mode intervention while maintaining system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the command dispatch process into distinct components: work queue allocation, command submission, and command execution. The work queue is divided into head and tail pointers that track command progression, allowing fine-grained control and reducing the need for complex kernel mode scheduling while improving latency.
2Reliability
If separate memory systems are used for CPU and GPU, then reliability is improved through isolation, but power consumption increases and productivity decreases due to memory access overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the CPU address space and GPU address space into a unified virtual address space. This allows both CPU and GPU to access the same memory regions without requiring costly memory copies or transfers, reducing power consumption while maintaining system stability through the operating system's memory management protections.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified memory system serves multiple functions: it acts as system memory for CPU operations, as video memory for GPU operations, and as shared workspace for heterogeneous computing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate memory systems while reducing power consumption and improving productivity.
3Reliability
If kernel mode driver manages all APD operations, then reliability is improved through centralized control, but productivity decreases due to context switching overhead and latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by allocating the work queue in GPU memory during driver initialization but defers the actual command dispatching to user mode. The driver sets up the work queue structure and permissions in advance, then allows user mode applications to submit commands directly without repeated kernel mode transitions, improving productivity while maintaining driver-controlled reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables user mode applications to self-serve by directly managing work queue allocation and command submission without kernel mode intervention. The applications can enqueue commands, track execution status, and manage their own compute resources, significantly improving productivity while the driver maintains overall system reliability through initial setup and permission management.
4Productivity
If GPUs are used for general computation beyond graphics, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to programming model constraints and compilation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal programming model that allows the same compute shaders and kernels to be used for both traditional graphics workloads and general-purpose computing tasks. The work queue mechanism and unified address space enable a single API to handle diverse computational workloads, reducing programming complexity while maintaining high productivity for both graphics and non-graphics applications.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, system, and computer program product are disclosed for providing improved access to accelerated processing device compute resources to user mode applications. The functionality disclosed allows user mode applications to provide commands to an accelerated processing device without the need for kernel mode transitions in order to access a unified ring buffer. Instead, applications are each provided with their own buffers, which the accelerated processing device hardware can access to process commands. With full operating system support, user mode applications are able to utilize the accelerated processing device in much the same way as a CPU.