Distributed Processor System with Stream Co-Processors
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Solution Overview
Problem
As electronic systems scale up to include more processing channels, controlling these channels becomes increasingly complex, leading to design challenges such as increased complexity and latency.
Innovation Solution
A distributed processing system is introduced, featuring a main ARM processor and multiple co-processors, known as stream processors, which can execute instructions with lower latency. These stream processors are configured to handle specific tasks, such as managing radio frequency channels, and can operate in parallel with the main processor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single main processor is used to control multiple processing channels, then device complexity is reduced, but processing latency increases and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system is segmented into a main processor and multiple independent co-processors (stream processors). Each co-processor handles specific processing channels independently, allowing parallel execution of instructions and reducing overall processing latency while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimensional sequential processing model to a multi-dimensional parallel processing model by introducing multiple co-processors that can execute instructions simultaneously. This dimensional expansion allows the system to handle multiple processing channels in parallel, reducing latency without proportionally increasing control complexity.
2Productivity
If more processing channels are added to scale up the electronic system, then processing capability is improved, but design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple co-processors are designed with identical or similar functional capabilities, allowing them to handle different processing channels using the same instruction sets and operational modes. This universality enables the system to scale to more processing channels without proportionally increasing design complexity, as the same modular design can be replicated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides processing channels into separate segments handled by individual co-processors. Each co-processor is a self-contained module that can be independently designed, tested, and configured, making it easier to scale the system by adding or removing channels without redesigning the entire processing architecture.
3Speed
If a distributed processing system with multiple co-processors is implemented, then processing latency is reduced and scalability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple co-processors are merged into a unified distributed processing system with a common memory space and coordinated control mechanism. The main processor provides centralized coordination while co-processors execute parallel operations, combining the benefits of distributed processing with manageable system-level control to achieve high speed without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The main processor acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the external interface and multiple co-processors. It manages instruction distribution, data flow, and synchronization among co-processors, reducing the complexity burden on individual components while enabling efficient parallel processing and scalable system architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure relates to a distributed processing system for configuring multiple processing channels. The distributed processing system includes a main processor, such as an ARM processor, communicatively coupled to a plurality of co-processors, such as stream processors. The co-processors can execute instructions in parallel with each other and interrupt the ARM processor. Longer latency instructions can be executed by the main processor and lower latency instructions can be executed by the co-processors. There are several ways that a stream can be triggered in the distributed processing system. In an embodiment, the distributed processing system is a stream processor system that includes an ARM processor and stream processors configured to access different register sets. The stream processors can include a main stream processor and stream processors in respective transmit and receive channels. The stream processor system can be implemented in a radio system to configure the radio for operation.