Heterogeneous Decompression Token Stream for Parallel Copying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern processors face challenges in achieving high throughput for all instructions, particularly complex ones like floating-point operations and data moves, which can bottleneck performance in multiprocessor systems and multimedia applications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a processor architecture that includes execution units capable of out-of-order execution and packed instruction sets, allowing for simultaneous processing of multiple data elements within a single register, thereby accelerating multimedia and scientific applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If complex instructions like floating-point operations and data moves are processed sequentially, then instruction accuracy is maintained, but processor throughput deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments complex instructions into multiple execution slots, allowing different parts of the instruction to be executed in parallel across multiple execution units. This segmentation enables floating-point operations and data moves to be broken down into independent stages that can be processed simultaneously, thereby increasing throughput without sacrificing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to instruction execution by implementing out-of-order execution and multiple execution slots. Instructions are no longer confined to sequential execution in a single dimension but can be distributed across multiple time slots and execution units, enabling parallel processing of complex instructions while maintaining correct program semantics.
2Productivity
If multiple data elements are processed within a single register, then processing efficiency is improved, but register management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements packed instruction sets that enable execution units to perform multiple operations on multiple data elements simultaneously within a single register. This multi-functionality allows a single execution unit to handle various data types and operations, improving processing efficiency while the underlying hardware automatically manages the complexity of register contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs automatic data alignment and packing mechanisms that eliminate the need for manual register management. The execution units automatically detect and process multiple data elements within registers, performing operations on all elements simultaneously without requiring explicit programmer intervention or complex register management software.
3Productivity
If out-of-order execution is implemented, then instruction throughput is improved, but execution control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reorder buffer that preliminarily captures and tracks the original program order of instructions before out-of-order execution. This preliminary action allows the execution units to freely execute instructions out of order for maximum throughput while the reorder buffer ensures that results are committed back to the architectural state in the correct program order, managing execution control complexity systematically.
Data Source
AI summary
A processor includes a memory hierarchy, buffer, and a decompressor. The decompressor includes circuitry to read elements to be decompressed according to a compression scheme, parse the elements to identify literals and matches, and, with the literals and matches, generate an intermediate token stream formatted for software-based copying of the literals and matches to produce decompressed data. The intermediate token stream is to include a format for multiple tokens that are to be written in parallel with each other, and another format for tokens that include a data dependency upon themselves.