Data String Converter for Array Processor Memory Bank Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Array processors face reduced processing efficiency due to frequent data transfers between memory banks during continuous operations, especially when data needs to be rearranged for subsequent stages of processing, such as in FFT operations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating data string converters that convert data placements between memory banks and the array processing section, allowing data to be entered into the array processing section in a suitable format without needing to be rearranged within memory banks, and converting output data back into a suitable storage format without intermediate transfers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data are frequently transferred between memory banks to maintain suitable data placement for continuous operations, then the array processor can maintain high processing parallelism and operation capabilities, but the processing efficiency is reduced due to the overhead of data transfers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing data placement conversion at the moment of data output from the array processing section, rather than waiting until the next operation cycle. The conversion section converts the data placement of output data into a placement suitable for storage in memory banks, so that when data are subsequently read out for the next operation, they are already in the correct placement, eliminating the need for intermediate transfer and conversion operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a conversion section as an intermediary component between the array processing section and memory banks. This conversion section acts as a mediator that performs data placement conversion, allowing data to flow smoothly between components with different data placement requirements without requiring frequent transfers between memory banks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data placement conversion is performed within memory banks through frequent transfers, then the correct data placement is maintained for subsequent operations, but the resource utilization is reduced due to repeated memory access operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimension of data placement conversion by moving it from the memory bank domain to the output interface domain. Instead of converting data placement within memory banks through transfers, the conversion is performed at the output of the array processing section, fundamentally changing where and how the placement adaptation occurs.
3Productivity
If the array processor enters data from multiple memory banks simultaneously to achieve high operation capabilities, then processing parallelism is improved, but the system complexity increases due to the need for coordinated data transfer and placement management
Solution Approach 1:
By performing data placement conversion at the output stage rather than during subsequent input operations, the system eliminates the need for complex coordination of data transfers between memory banks. The conversion is done once when data leave the processing section, simplifying the overall data management complexity while maintaining parallel processing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
In an array processing section, using data strings entered from input ports, a plurality of data processor elements execute predetermined operations while transferring data to each other, and output data strings of results of the operations from a plurality of output ports. A first data string converter converts data strings stored in a plurality of data storages of a data storage group into a placement suitable for the operations in the array processing section, and enters the converted data strings into the input ports of the array processing section. A second data string converter converts the data strings output from output ports of the array processing section into a placement to be stored in the plurality of data storages of the data storage group.