Dynamic Circular Buffer Resizing for Processor Resource Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional circular buffers in processors have fixed sizes, leading to resource wastage and potential stalling due to inefficient allocation of resources, particularly in out-of-order processors where multiple threads share re-order buffers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic resizing mechanism for circular buffers by allocating and deallocating arrays from a shared pool based on demand, using buffer control logic to manage array allocation and deallocation, and disabling unused arrays for power conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If circular buffers are allocated with fixed size, then resource allocation is simple and reliable, but resource wastage occurs and processor stalling may happen due to inefficient allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resizing of circular buffers by allowing the buffer size to change at runtime based on actual demand. The buffer can expand when more storage is needed and shrink when less is needed, transforming the static fixed-size allocation into a dynamic adaptive structure that optimizes both productivity and resource usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of buffer size from a fixed constant to a variable that can be adjusted based on operational conditions. By monitoring buffer utilization and dynamically modifying the size parameter, the system achieves efficient resource allocation that prevents both wastage and processor stalling.
2Productivity
If multiple arrays are allocated to circular buffers, then buffer capacity increases and stalling is reduced, but power consumption increases due to unused arrays remaining active
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a power management mechanism that discards (disables) unused arrays from active operation and recovers power when they are no longer needed. When arrays are not currently being used by the circular buffer, they are transitioned to a disabled state, eliminating their power consumption while maintaining the capability to reactivate them when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service power management where the circular buffer automatically manages the power state of its constituent arrays based on actual usage patterns. The buffer monitors its own needs and dynamically enables or disables arrays accordingly, without requiring external intervention, thus optimizing power consumption while maintaining necessary capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for dynamically resizing circular buffers are described wherein circular buffers are dynamically allocated arrays from a pool of arrays. The method comprises receiving either a request to add data to a circular buffer or to remove data from a circular buffer. If the request is an addition request and the circular buffer is full, an array from the pool is allocated to the circular buffer. If, however, the request is a removal request and removal of the data creates an empty array, an array is de-allocated from the circular buffer and returned to the pool. Any arrays that are not allocated to a circular buffer may be disabled to conserve power.