Atomic Read-Modify-Write Offload for Peripheral Memory Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer processors experience latency issues during read-modify-write operations, particularly when accessing peripheral memory locations.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves converting read-modify-write instructions to be executed by control logic or digital circuitry closer to the peripheral, using a mask and sideband function to perform the operation atomically, thereby reducing processor latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If read-modify-write operations are performed by the processor on peripheral memory, then the operation can be completed, but operational latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the read-modify-write operation from the processor and relocates it to peripheral circuitry. The processor issues a condensed instruction to the peripheral, which then autonomously performs the read-modify-write sequence on its local register, eliminating the processor's involvement in the time-consuming memory access cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a peripheral entity as an intermediary between the processor and peripheral memory. This intermediary receives a simplified instruction from the processor, executes the complete read-modify-write operation locally, and returns only the final result, thereby mediating the complex operation to reduce processor latency.
2Loss of time
If read-modify-write instructions are executed directly by the processor, then the instruction can be performed, but the processor must wait for completion increasing latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the peripheral to serve itself by autonomously executing the read-modify-write operation. When the processor issues the instruction, the peripheral independently accesses its own register, performs the modify operation, writes back the result, and manages the entire sequence without requiring processor intervention or waiting.
3Loss of time
If the processor performs bit manipulation operations on peripheral memory, then the operation is completed, but bus latency is incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bit manipulation operation from the processor's responsibility and relocates it to the peripheral's local register. The processor sends only the operation type and parameters, while the peripheral executes the actual bit manipulation locally, eliminating repeated bus transactions for each bit operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the read, modify, and write operations into a single atomic operation executed by the peripheral. Instead of separate processor instructions for reading, modifying, and writing back (each requiring bus access), the peripheral combines these into one unified operation that accesses the register only once.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of manufacture includes a non-transitory machine-readable medium. The medium includes instructions. The instructions, when read and executed by a processor, cause the processor to determine that a first input instruction in a code stream to be executed is to perform a read-modify-write operation, determine that the first input instruction is to target a memory location, and, based on a determination that the first input instruction is to perform the read-modify-write operation and the determination that the first input instruction is to target the memory location, convert the first input instruction to a second input instruction to target the memory location with a mask to cause an atomic operation to implement the read-modify-write operation.