Dynamic Address Translation Context Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory access systems require pre-built full and partial address spaces, wasting resources and using complex methodologies, and do not efficiently handle context switching between these spaces.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic address translation (DAT) system that allows switching between full and subspace DAT structures using a single bit in a control register, enabling efficient creation and access of address subspaces and transparent fault handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pre-built full and partial address spaces are used, then address translation can be performed, but resources are wasted and the system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the address space management into full space DAT structures and subspace DAT structures. Instead of maintaining complete address spaces for all contexts, the system divides the address space into full spaces (for system-wide resources) and subspaces (for context-specific resources), reducing the overall complexity and resource requirements while maintaining translation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between full space and subspace DAT structures based on context requirements. The system can dynamically select which DAT structure to use for address translation depending on whether the current context needs full space access or can operate with a subspace, making the system adaptable rather than static.
2Adaptability or versatility
If context switching between address spaces is performed, then different address spaces can be accessed, but costly invalidate instructions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the context-specific translation information into separate subspace DAT structures. When switching contexts, the system can switch to the appropriate pre-configured subspace structure without needing to invalidate and rebuild the entire DAT structure, as the subspace structures are designed to be context-specific and self-contained.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary setup of subspace DAT structures in advance, organizing translation information by context requirements. This preliminary organization allows for faster context switching without requiring costly invalidate operations, as the structures are pre-configured for specific contexts.
3Reliability
If full space DAT structures are used for all contexts, then complete address translation is available, but resource utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating subspace DAT structures with translation entries specific to particular contexts or address ranges. Instead of using full space DAT structures (which contain all possible translations) for every context, the system uses localized subspaces that contain only the translations needed for specific contexts, reducing memory consumption while maintaining translation completeness for each context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action by implementing subspaces that contain only the necessary portion of the address space for each context. Rather than loading complete full space DAT structures for every context (excessive action), the system loads only the relevant subspace portions (partial action), optimizing resource utilization while maintaining the reliability needed for each specific context.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for implementing a full space dynamic address translation (“DAT”) structure and a subspace DAT structure is provided. A non-limiting example of the computer-implemented method includes determining, by a processor, that switching between the full space DAT structure and the subspace DAT structure is enabled by examining a bit in a control register. The method determines, by the processor, that there is a new context different from an existing context based on the bit in the control register indicating that switching is enabled, and switches, by the processor, the context of the DAT structures based on determining that the new context is different from the existing context.