Bidirectional Data Flow Between General Purpose Processor and Signal Processing Chip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data processing systems inefficiently utilize specialized signal processing chips by transferring intermediate results to general purpose processors, which can lead to suboptimal performance as further operations are performed solely by the general purpose processor, even if the signal processing chip could handle them more efficiently.
Innovation Solution
Implement a system where intermediate results from the general purpose processor are returned to the signal processing chip for further processing, allowing the signal processing chip to take over operations that it can perform more efficiently, thereby optimizing the performance of both processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate results are transferred to the general purpose processor for further processing, then the general purpose processor can perform flexible software operations, but the processing efficiency deteriorates because all further operations are performed by the general purpose processor instead of the specialized signal processing chip
Solution Approach 1:
The processing task is segmented into two parts: initial processing by the general purpose processor (for flexibility) and subsequent processing by the specialized signal processing chip (for efficiency). The system transfers intermediate results between the two processors to divide the workload, allowing each processor to operate in its optimal domain.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional flow where the general purpose processor receives all data and performs all processing, this invention inverts the typical role assignment by allowing the specialized signal processing chip to receive intermediate results and continue processing. This inversion enables the specialized chip to leverage its efficiency advantages for subsequent operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all processing operations are performed by the general purpose processor, then software adaptability is maintained, but the processing time increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing timeline is segmented into phases where the general purpose processor handles initial flexible operations and the specialized signal processing chip handles subsequent time-critical operations. This temporal and functional segmentation reduces the total processing time by parallelizing the workload across different processor types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary mechanism (data transfer interface) to facilitate communication between the general purpose processor and the specialized signal processing chip. This intermediary enables efficient exchange of intermediate results, allowing the specialized chip to continue processing without requiring complete re-loading of data or complex coordination protocols.
3Speed
If specialized hardware components are used for predetermined operations, then processing speed is improved, but the versatility of the system decreases because the specialized hardware cannot perform arbitrary software operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments processing operations into two categories: predetermined operations handled by specialized hardware (for speed) and arbitrary operations handled by software on the general purpose processor (for versatility). The system transfers data between these two processing domains to optimize performance while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The general purpose processor serves as a universal platform that can execute any software operation, while the specialized signal processing chip provides accelerated processing for specific predetermined operations. The system combines both approaches by allowing the general purpose processor to load and execute software that utilizes the specialized chip for performance-critical sections.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides to a processing of data samples by an arrangement comprising a signal processing chip for executing predetermined operations and a processor for executing any kind of software code. In particular, it is not only possible that the general purpose processor, which executes the software code can process results from the signal processing chip, but also the signal processing chip can receive the results of the general purpose processor for applying further operations. In this way, the flexibility and efficiency of the processing can be further improved.