GPU Periodic Reset Scheduling for Safety-Critical Rendering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Safety-critical graphics processing systems face challenges in ensuring reliable rendering due to random errors caused by transient events like ionizing radiation, voltage spikes, and electromagnetic pulses, which can lead to bit-flipping and faults in graphics processing units, particularly in automotive applications requiring high safety integrity levels like ASIL B and D.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a safety controller to schedule periodic resets of the graphics processing unit based on a reset frequency, including soft and hard resets, to mitigate transient errors, ensuring the GPU is returned to a known safe state, thereby reducing the persistence of faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual lockstep processors are used to ensure safety, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing periodic resets of the graphics processing unit before transient errors can cause permanent damage or system failure. The reset mechanism proactively returns the GPU to a known safe state at scheduled intervals, preventing the persistence of faults without requiring redundant processing hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through scheduled resets that occur at predetermined time intervals. The safety controller monitors time and triggers resets periodically to ensure transient errors are cleared before they can affect safety-critical rendering, providing continuous safety without requiring dual lockstep processors.
2Reliability
If periodic resets are implemented to mitigate transient errors, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to reset interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by scheduling resets at predetermined time intervals that balance safety requirements with rendering productivity. The reset frequency is configured to clear transient errors before they can cause permanent damage while minimizing interruptions to the rendering pipeline, allowing continuous operation with acceptable safety margins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the reset frequency to be adjusted based on operational conditions. The system can adapt the timing of periodic resets to optimize between safety coverage and rendering throughput, dynamically tuning the balance between error mitigation and productivity based on the specific application requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of performing safety-critical rendering at a graphics processing unit within a graphics processing system, the method comprising: receiving, at the graphics processing system, graphical data for safety-critical rendering at the graphics processing unit; scheduling at a safety controller, in accordance with a reset frequency, a plurality of resets of the graphics processing unit; rendering the graphical data at the graphics processing unit; and the safety controller causing the plurality of resets of the graphics processing unit to be performed commensurate with the reset frequency.