Multiple-Die GPU Chiplet Configuration for Scalable Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demands on graphics processing units (GPUs) lead to larger and more expensive dies to manufacture, limiting the scalability and efficiency of conventional GPU designs.
Innovation Solution
Partitioning the GPU into multiple configurable chiplets that can operate as a single GPU or multiple GPUs, allowing flexible configuration and assembly of varying generations, with a front end die scheduling commands for concurrent execution on shader engine dies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If GPU demands increase to meet higher performance requirements, then processing capability is improved, but die size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The GPU is divided into multiple independent shader engine dies that can be manufactured separately and then combined. Each die contains a complete set of shader engines and can function independently or in conjunction with other dies, allowing modular manufacturing that reduces individual die size and manufacturing complexity while maintaining overall processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shader engine dies are designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of operating in different configurations (single die or combined with other dies). This allows the same basic die design to serve multiple performance levels and application requirements, reducing the need for multiple specialized die designs and associated manufacturing costs.
2Productivity
If GPU die size increases to accommodate more processing resources, then processing capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The GPU architecture is segmented into multiple manageable shader engine dies of standardized size, avoiding the need to manufacture increasingly large monolithic dies. Each die maintains a consistent, optimized layout that simplifies the manufacturing process while the system achieves higher processing capability through parallel composition of multiple dies.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple shader engine dies are nested or combined together to form larger GPU systems, allowing complex processing capabilities to be built from simpler, standardized building blocks. This nested architecture enables scalable complexity where multiple identical or heterogeneous dies work together as a unified system.
3Productivity
If multiple shader engine dies are combined to increase processing capability, then productivity is improved, but inter-die communication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple shader engine dies are merged into a unified GPU system with shared resources and coordinated control. The dies communicate through standardized interfaces and shared memory structures, allowing them to function as a cohesive unit with improved processing capability while managing communication overhead through efficient resource sharing and coordinated operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A graphics processing unit (GPU) of a processing system is partitioned into multiple dies (referred to as GPU chiplets) that are configurable to collectively function and interface with an application as a single GPU in a first mode and as multiple GPUs in a second mode. By dividing the GPU into multiple GPU chiplets, the processing system flexibly and cost-effectively configures an amount of active GPU physical resources based on an operating mode. In addition, a configurable number of GPU chiplets are assembled into a single GPU, such that multiple different GPUs having different numbers of GPU chiplets can be assembled using a small number of tape-outs and a multiple-die GPU can be constructed out of GPU chiplets that implement varying generations of technology.