DMA Scatter-Gather Memory Access for Redirected Write Requests
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to efficiently process and fuse data from multiple sensor streams in automotive and robotic applications, particularly in self-driving and automated driving systems, due to limitations in handling redirected memory access requests and the need for efficient manipulation of large data arrays.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a direct memory access (DMA) controller that executes gather and scatter operations to manage redirected write and read requests, transforming data items to specific addresses in memory, and utilizing a confluence engine to process data streams with reduced latency and computing resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional memory access methods are used to process sensor data streams, then system complexity is reduced, but processing speed and throughput deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a DMA controller as an intermediary component between the processor and memory systems. This mediator handles complex memory access patterns including scatter-gather operations, address translation, and data reordering, thereby enabling high-speed processing without burdening the main processor with these complex memory management tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the memory access function into multiple specialized components: a DMA controller for managing data transfer, address translation units for converting addresses, and scatter-gather operation handlers for efficient data reordering. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, improving overall processing speed while distributing complexity across multiple manageable units.
2Productivity
If redirected memory access requests are handled by traditional methods, then device complexity is low, but productivity and throughput deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-fetching data and pre-translating addresses before they are actually needed for processing. The DMA controller anticipates memory access patterns and prepares data in advance, storing it in buffers or cache memory, which significantly improves throughput by reducing waiting time during actual processing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action through overlapping memory operations with processing operations. While the processor is working on current data, the DMA controller simultaneously performs data transfer and address translation for the next set of data. This pipelining approach eliminates idle time and maintains continuous productive action, improving overall throughput.
3Productivity
If scatter and gather operations are implemented in the DMA controller, then processing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the DMA controller universal by equipping it with multiple functions: standard DMA data transfer capabilities, scatter-gather operation handling, address translation, and buffer management. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated hardware components, improving processing efficiency while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods, apparatuses, and/or articles of manufacture are disclosed that may be implemented, in whole or in part, in connection with processing signal streams. In one application, a direct memory access (DMA) controller may execute a gather operation based, at least in part, on one or more redirected write requests, to obtain one or more data items from a memory; transform the obtained data items to one or more addresses in the memory; and execute a scatter operation based on the one or more addresses.