Data-Type Clustered Register Renaming for Power and Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern processors face inefficiencies in power consumption and circuit delays due to the handling of different data types in unified physical register files, particularly in general-purpose CPUs, which lack the efficiency of specialized two-dimensional structures used in fixed function machines.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a processor architecture with separate clusters for different data types, using register renaming based on data type prediction to optimize storage and processing, and localizing sequences of computations within these clusters to improve energy efficiency and reduce circuit delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a unified physical register file is used to hold different data types, then the architectural register can hold different types of data at different times, but power consumption increases and circuit delays occur due to inefficient data type handling
Solution Approach 1:
The unified physical register file is segmented into multiple clusters, where each cluster is dedicated to specific data types (e.g., integer cluster, floating-point cluster). This segmentation allows data to be stored and processed in optimized environments for their specific types, reducing power consumption and circuit delays while maintaining the ability to handle multiple data types through the register renaming mechanism.
2Device complexity
If a unified physical register file is used, then the register can be simplified in structure, but circuit delays increase due to lack of data type localization
Solution Approach 1:
The register file is divided into multiple clusters, each optimized for specific data types. This segmentation reduces circuit delays by localizing data of the same type together, allowing faster access and processing. The register renaming mechanism maintains simplicity by providing a unified interface for software while the physical structure benefits from specialized organization.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cluster within the register file has specialized characteristics optimized for its target data type (e.g., integer cluster for fast integer operations, floating-point cluster for floating-point computations). This local quality optimization reduces circuit delays for data access and processing while the overall system maintains a unified architectural interface.
3Use of energy by moving object
If separate clusters for different data types are implemented, then power consumption and circuit delays are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The register renaming mechanism provides universality by mapping architectural registers to appropriate data type clusters automatically. This allows the system to handle multiple data types efficiently through a unified interface, reducing the need for software complexity while the hardware benefits from specialized clustered structures for each data type.
4Device complexity
If data types are not localized in separate clusters, then the register structure remains simple, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The register file is segmented into data type-specific clusters that automatically receive data through the register renaming mechanism. This segmentation improves energy efficiency by ensuring data is processed in the most appropriate cluster for its type, reducing unnecessary data movement and processing energy consumption while maintaining a relatively simple unified architectural interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for register renaming. For example, an integrated circuit is described that includes a first cluster including a first set of physical registers and a first execution resource circuit, wherein the inputs for operations of the first execution resource circuit are of a first data type; a second cluster including a second set of physical registers and a second execution resource circuit, wherein the inputs for operations of the second execution resource circuit are of a second data type that is different than the first data type; and a register renaming circuit configured to: determine a data type prediction for a result of a first instruction that will be stored in a first logical register; and, based on the data type prediction matching the first data type, rename the first logical register to be stored in a physical register of the first set of physical registers.