Dynamic Register Allocation via Overlapping Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing register management schemes face inefficiencies due to pre-allocation of general purpose registers (GPRs) based on expected workload demands, leading to under-utilization when actual demands differ, and require costly overhead and execution delays to dynamically re-allocate registers.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic register management scheme that logically divides a register array into two overlapping rings (ring0 and ring1) to allocate registers based on process groups, preventing deadlocks and optimizing resource use by allocating from opposite ends of the array and allowing for efficient sharing of registers between groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If registers are pre-allocated among processes at application initiation time, then deadlock conditions and prolonged waiting conditions are avoided, but register under-utilization occurs when workload demand differs from expected demands
Solution Approach 1:
The register array is divided into two separate rings (ring0 and ring1) that are allocated to different process groups. This segmentation allows each ring to be independently managed and allocated to specific process groups, preventing deadlock while enabling flexible reconfiguration of register allocation based on actual workload demands without affecting the other ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines which ring to allocate registers from based on the process group identification. The ring manager dynamically selects between ring0 and ring1 depending on the incoming process group, allowing adaptive register allocation that responds to changing workload conditions while maintaining deadlock-free operation.
2Productivity
If registers are dynamically re-allocated to optimize for changing workload demands, then register utilization improves, but costly overhead and execution delays occur due to flushing and reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the register array into two independent rings, the system can reconfigure allocation by switching between rings rather than reconfiguring all registers. This allows workload adaptation without flushing and reconfiguring the entire register array, significantly reducing reconfiguration overhead and execution delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the register allocation structure in the form of a second ring that mirrors the first ring. When workload demands change, the system can switch to using the other ring instead of reconfiguring the current ring, avoiding the costly flushing and reconfiguration operations that would be required if a single unified register array were used.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple concurrent processes access the same GPR, then resource sharing is enabled, but contention conditions slow processing
Solution Approach 1:
The register array is segmented into two rings that are allocated to different process groups. This segmentation reduces contention by ensuring that different process groups access different registers, while still enabling resource sharing within each ring. The ring manager coordinates access to maintain this separation and reduce contention conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of allocating registers in a register array to multiple workloads is disclosed. The method identifies an incoming workload as belonging to a first process group or a second process group, and allocates one or more target registers from the register array to the incoming workload. The register array is logically divided to a first ring and a second ring such that the first ring and the second ring have at least one register in common. The first process group is allocated registers in the first ring and the second process group is allocated registers in the second ring. Target registers in the first ring are allocated in order of sequentially decreasing register addresses and target registers in the second ring are allocated in order of sequentially increasing register addresses. Also disclosed are methods and systems for allocation of registers in an array of general purpose registers, methods and systems for allocation of registers to processes including shader processes in graphics processing units.