Dual-Array Multiplexer Pipeline for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pipeline architectures in computing systems face significant power dissipation due to the need to support hundreds of different instruction types, even though most instructions are rarely used, leading to inefficient resource utilization and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual-array multiplexer system where one array handles core instructions frequently used and another array handles non-core instructions, with power and clock signals selectively gated to reduce power dissipation by toggling only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single hardware data path is used to support all instruction types, then device complexity is reduced, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hardware data path into multiple separate paths: a first hardware data path for core instructions and a second hardware data path for non-core instructions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a relatively simple overall structure while enabling selective activation of only the necessary path, thereby reducing power consumption without requiring complete redesign of the entire pipeline architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control over the hardware data paths by using multiplexers that can selectively route instructions to either the first or second hardware data path based on instruction type. The clock signals to these multiplexers can be selectively gated, allowing the system to dynamically adjust which path is active and when, optimizing power consumption while maintaining full instruction support capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all instruction types are supported with full hardware resources, then adaptability is improved, but power dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments instruction support into two categories: core instructions handled by the first hardware data path and non-core instructions handled by the second hardware data path. This segmentation enables the system to maintain support for all instruction types while allowing selective deactivation of the second path when only core instructions are needed, significantly reducing power dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing full hardware support only for core instructions (the most frequently used instruction types) while using a reduced second hardware data path for non-core instructions. This partial allocation of resources to the most critical functions reduces overall power consumption while maintaining adequate adaptability for the majority of instruction types.
3Area of stationary object
If resources are shared by all instructions, then area cost is reduced, but power consumption increases due to continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shared resources into two distinct hardware data paths with different levels of resource allocation. The first path has full resources for core instructions, while the second path has reduced resources for non-core instructions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain compact area cost while enabling selective activation that reduces power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control mechanisms including multiplexers and clock gating that allow the hardware resources to be selectively activated based on instruction type. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain a compact overall area while reducing power consumption by keeping portions of the hardware idle when not needed, rather than requiring continuous operation of all shared resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing element is implemented in a stage of a pipeline and configured to execute an instruction. A first array of multiplexers is to provide information associated with the instruction to the processing element in response to the instruction being in a first set of instructions. A second array of multiplexers is to provide information associated with the instruction to the first processing element in response to the instruction being in a second set of instructions. A control unit is to gate at least one of power or a clock signal provided to the first array of multiplexers in response to the instruction being in the second set.