GPU Shader Core Segmentation for Interference-Free Parallel Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Graphics processing units (GPUs) face interference issues when executing both graphics and non-graphics applications simultaneously, leading to potential degradation in user experience due to resource competition and interference between graphics and non-graphics applications.
Innovation Solution
The GPU selectively reserves shader cores for either graphics or non-graphics applications, allowing for parallel execution without interference by delineating instructions and dynamically allocating resources based on application requirements and priorities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the GPU executes both graphics and non-graphics applications simultaneously on shared shader cores, then resource utilization is improved, but execution interference and performance degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shader cores into multiple groups, where each group is dedicated to executing either graphics applications or non-graphics applications. This segmentation prevents execution interference between different application types while maintaining high resource utilization, as each shader core group operates independently without contending for shared execution resources.
2Device complexity
If the GPU uses a single shared set of shader cores for both graphics and non-graphics applications, then device complexity is reduced, but execution interference and performance degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the shader cores into multiple groups that are logically separated for different application types. This segmentation maintains relatively simple device architecture compared to having completely separate GPU units, while effectively preventing execution interference through group-based isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shader core groups are designed with multi-functionality, where each group can execute different types of applications (graphics or non-graphics) depending on allocation. This universality allows a single GPU to handle diverse workloads without requiring completely separate dedicated hardware for each application type.
3Speed
If the GPU reserves specific shader core groups for graphics applications, then graphics performance and responsiveness are improved, but flexibility in resource allocation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the assignment of shader core groups to graphics or non-graphics applications can change based on workload demands. The GPU driver can dynamically adjust which shader core groups execute which type of application, allowing the system to adapt to varying performance requirements while maintaining dedicated execution paths for graphics when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The techniques described in this disclosure are directed to efficient parallel execution of graphics and non-graphics application on a graphics processing unit (GPU). The GPU may include a plurality of shader cores within a shader processor. The techniques may reserve one or more shader cores to execute the graphics application and reserve one or more other shader cores to execute the non-graphics application. In this manner, the execution of the non-graphics application may not interfere with the execution of the graphics application, and vice-versa.