Dot Product Array Hypercomplex Mode via Input Vector Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dot product arrays designed for real number operations face challenges in efficiently supporting hypercomplex number operations, requiring separate bespoke circuits which increase circuit area and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The integration of input vector manipulating circuitry within the dot product array allows for the reuse of real number mode circuits to perform hypercomplex dot product operations by applying specific input vector manipulations, thereby reducing additional circuit area and power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate bespoke circuits are designed forhypercomplex number operations, then hypercomplex dot product operations can be supported, but circuit area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dot product array is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both real number mode andhypercomplex number mode operations using the same hardware circuitry. The input vector manipulating circuitry enables the array to adapt its operation mode based on the input data type, allowing a single circuit to serve dual purposes without requiring separate bespoke circuits forhypercomplex operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate bespoke circuits are designed forhypercomplex number operations, thenhypercomplex dot product operations can be supported, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same dot product array circuitry is reused for both real number andhypercomplex number operations, eliminating the need for separate power-consuming circuits. The input vector manipulating circuitry enables mode switching without requiring additional power-intensive hardware dedicated solely tohypercomplex operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If the dot product array is modified to supporthypercomplex number operations, thenhypercomplex dot product operations can be performed, but development costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dot product array design incorporates mode selection capability that allows it to function as both a real number processor and ahypercomplex number processor. This universal design approach reduces development costs by avoiding the need to create and validate separate bespoke circuits forhypercomplex operations, as the same hardware can be configured for different operation modes
Solution Approach 2:
The input vector manipulating circuitry is designed in advance to handle both real number andhypercomplex number input formats. By preparing the input vectors appropriately before they enter the dot product array, the system can switch between operation modes without requiring costly post-design modifications or separate processing paths
Data Source
AI summary
A dot product array comprises dot product circuits each to process a respective pair of first and second input vectors to generate a respective dot product result. In a real number mode, each dot product result and vector element represents a respective real number. In a hypercomplex number mode, an input vector manipulation is applied to at least one of the first/second input vectors to be supplied to each dot product circuit, to cause the dot product array to generate hypercomplex dot product results each indicating a sum of hypercomplex products of corresponding pairs of hypercomplex numbers. In the hypercomplex number mode, respective subsets of elements of the first/second input vectors represent respective hypercomplex numbers, for which respective components are represented by different elements of the subset, and each hypercomplex dot product result comprises components represented by the dot product results generated by a corresponding group of at least two dot product circuits.