Bunch Buffer Load Latency Amelioration in Compute Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional processing architectures face challenges in efficiently managing and processing large, complex datasets due to high load latency, which can lead to stalled compute elements and reduced throughput, especially when accessing storage and obtaining necessary data.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a two-dimensional array of compute elements with bunch buffers, where control word bunches are loaded into buffers coupled to each compute element, enabling autonomous operation and operational looping without additional control word loading, thereby reducing load latency and expediting task execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If control words are loaded into compute elements in traditional processing architectures, then compute elements can execute operations, but load latency increases and compute elements stall waiting for data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent loads multiple control words into buffer memory in advance before they are needed for execution. This preliminary action allows compute elements to continuously execute operations without stalling, as the buffer memory supplies control words ahead of time, eliminating wait states and reducing load latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces buffer memory as an intermediary component between the control word storage and compute elements. This buffer acts as a mediator that decouples the data supply rate from the compute element execution rate, allowing compute elements to operate continuously while control words are loaded at a different pace into the buffer.
2Productivity
If control words are continuously loaded to compute elements, then operations can be executed, but additional control word loading delays autonomous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables compute elements to operate autonomously by loading multiple control words into buffer memory in advance. Once loaded, the buffer memory self-serves the compute elements by supplying control words without requiring continuous external loading, allowing compute elements to execute operations independently without stalling for control word availability.
3Reliability
If compute elements wait for data from storage, then data accuracy is ensured, but throughput is reduced due to stalled compute elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary loading of control words into buffer memory before compute elements need them. This advance preparation ensures that when compute elements are ready to execute operations, the necessary control words are already available in the buffer, eliminating wait states and maintaining continuous throughput while ensuring data accuracy through proper control word execution.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for task processing based on load latency amelioration using bunch buffers are disclosed. A two-dimensional array of compute elements is accessed. Each compute element within the array of compute elements is known to a compiler and is coupled to its neighboring compute elements within the array of compute elements. Control for the compute elements is provided on a cycle-by-cycle basis. The control is enabled by a stream of wide control words generated by the compiler. Sets of control word bits are loaded into buffers. Each buffer is associated with and coupled to a unique compute element within the array of compute elements. The sets of control word bits provide operational control for the compute element with which it is associated. Operations are executed within the array of elements. The operations are based on a selected set of control word bits which comprise a control word bunch.