Emulated Shared Memory Processor Pipeline Latency Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emulated shared memory architectures face challenges in efficiently executing long latency operations, such as division or application-specific operations, which typically require multiple execution steps and increase overall latency.
Innovation Solution
A processor architecture with an interleaved inter-thread pipeline that positions lower latency functional units before the memory access segment and long latency units in parallel with it, allowing these operations to be executed simultaneously with memory access, thereby hiding latency within the memory access latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If long latency operations (e.g., division) are executed in traditional sequential manner, then operational accuracy is maintained, but execution time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline prepares and positions data in intermediate stages before the actual long latency operation completes. Lower latency functional units perform preliminary processing on data while waiting for long latency operations to finish, ensuring data is ready for subsequent operations without idle waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to operation execution by implementing pipelining. Instead of executing operations sequentially in a single dimension of time, multiple operations proceed simultaneously through different pipeline stages, effectively adding a parallel execution dimension while maintaining operational accuracy through staged processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more functional units are added to handle long latency operations, then operational capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline is segmented into distinct stages with specialized functional units. Each segment handles specific operations (lower latency units for quick operations, long latency units for complex operations), allowing the system to process different operation types simultaneously through dedicated pathways rather than requiring all units to handle all operation types.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipeline structure is designed with universal components that can handle multiple operation types. The functional units are positioned and configured to process various arithmetic and logical operations, allowing the same pipeline infrastructure to support diverse operational capabilities without requiring completely separate dedicated hardware for each operation type.
3Ease of operation
If long latency units are positioned in series after memory access, then operational sequence is simplified, but overall latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions long latency units from a sequential position after memory access to a parallel position alongside the memory access segment. This spatial reconfiguration in the pipeline allows long latency operations to execute simultaneously with memory access operations, adding a parallel execution dimension that reduces overall latency while maintaining operational sequence through proper pipeline staging.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipeline merges the execution of long latency operations with the memory access segment by positioning them in parallel. Instead of treating them as separate sequential steps, the design combines their execution timelines, allowing both to proceed simultaneously and reducing the cumulative latency that would result from sequential execution.
Data Source
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AI summary
A processor architecture arrangement for emulated shared memory (ESM) architectures, comprises a number of, preferably a plurality of, multi-threaded processors each provided with interleaved inter-thread pipeline, wherein the pipeline comprises a plurality of functional units arranged in series for executing arithmetic, logical and optionally further operations on data, wherein one or more functional units of lower latency are positioned prior to the memory access segment in said pipeline and one or more long latency units (LLU) for executing more complex operations associated with longer latency are positioned operatively in parallel with the memory access segment. In some embodiments, the pipeline may contain multiple branches in parallel with the memory access segment, each branch containing at least one long latency unit.