Intelligent DMA Controller Line-Walking Data Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DMA controllers in computer systems require manual specification of exact address locations for data retrieval from multi-dimensional arrays, burdening the processor and requiring assistance in multi-processor environments for correct data staging.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent DMA controller that interprets line description information to independently retrieve data from main memory, storing it in local storage, without processor intervention, by using line description inputs such as major and minor steps and rules for data collection within multi-dimensional arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a basic DMA controller is used that requires manual address specification, then the controller structure remains simple, but the processor burden increases and data retrieval efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The DMA controller is enhanced with intelligence to autonomously interpret line descriptions and generate address sequences without processor intervention. The controller independently calculates memory addresses by traversing multi-dimensional array indices along specified lines, eliminating the need for manual address specification and reducing processor burden while maintaining reasonable device complexity through targeted functional enhancements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates and stores line descriptions containing traverse information for data retrieval paths through multi-dimensional arrays. By preparing these address generation parameters in advance, the DMA controller can efficiently execute data retrieval operations without requiring real-time processor assistance, thereby improving productivity while keeping the controller structure manageable.
2Measurement precision
If exact address locations are specified for each data span, then data retrieval precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to manual specification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent DMA controller automatically generates precise address sequences by interpreting line descriptions that define traverse paths through multi-dimensional arrays. The controller independently calculates exact memory addresses for each data element along the specified line, eliminating manual address specification while maintaining precise data retrieval. This self-service capability preserves measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the operation mode from manual address specification to parameter-based line description. By changing the input parameters from explicit addresses to line traverse definitions (including start point, direction, and step information), the system maintains precise data retrieval while simplifying the operation interface. The DMA controller internally converts these parameter changes into exact address sequences.
3Reliability
If a support processor requests data staging assistance from the main processor, then data retrieval accuracy is improved, but the loss of time increases due to inter-processor communication overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent DMA controller in the support processor autonomously retrieves data from shared memory by independently interpreting line descriptions and generating address sequences. This self-service capability eliminates the need for time-consuming inter-processor communication requests and responses, while the controller's intelligent address generation ensures accurate data retrieval. The solution simultaneously improves reliability by maintaining precise data staging and reduces time loss by removing communication overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent DMA controller acts as an intermediary between the support processor and shared memory, handling the complex task of address generation and data staging independently. This intermediary capability allows the support processor to retrieve data accurately without directly involving the main processor, thereby maintaining data retrieval reliability while eliminating the time penalty associated with inter-processor assistance requests.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for a DMA controller with multi-dimensional line-walking functionality is presented. A processor includes an intelligent DMA controller, which loads a line description that corresponds to a shape or line. The intelligent DMA controller moves through a memory map and retrieves data based upon the line description that includes a major step and a minor step. In turn, the intelligent DMA controller retrieves data from the shared memory without assistance from its corresponding processor. In one embodiment, the intelligent DMA controller may analyze a line using the rate of change along its minor axes in conjunction with locations where the line intersects subspaces and store array spans of contiguous memory along the line's major axis.