GPU Shader Processor Resource Sharing for Concurrent Task Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing graphics processing unit (GPU) architectures are inefficient in utilizing resources due to serial execution of tasks, leading to underutilization of shader processors and increased power consumption, especially in scenarios requiring concurrent execution of tasks with different priorities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a technique that allows concurrent execution of multiple tasks on a shader processor by configuring resources for a 'host' shader and enabling a 'guest' shader to execute using those resources, with the guest shader obtaining additional resources through software-programmable means, such as a bindless mechanism, to prioritize high-priority tasks without preempting the host shader.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resources are allocated for a first shader and executed normally, then the first shader can complete its processing, but the resources remain occupied and cannot be utilized by other tasks, leading to underutilization and increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the execution of host shader and guest shader on the same shader processor resources. The command processor allows a guest shader to execute using resources that were configured for a host shader, effectively combining two tasks on one physical resource unit. This is achieved by checking resource availability and allowing concurrent execution when the guest shader's resource footprint is smaller than the allocated resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts resource allocation by allowing flexible sharing between host and guest shaders. The command processor continuously monitors resource availability and dynamically decides whether to allow guest shader execution based on current resource utilization. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt resource allocation in real-time, improving overall productivity while maintaining reliability of the primary host shader execution.
2Reliability
If tasks are executed serially to ensure proper resource allocation, then resource conflicts are avoided, but the overall execution time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous utilization of shader processor resources by allowing guest shaders to execute during periods when the host shader is not fully utilizing the allocated resources. Instead of leaving resources idle or waiting for serial completion, the system maintains continuous useful action by overlapping execution of guest shaders with host shader execution, thereby reducing total execution time while maintaining resource allocation correctness.
Solution Approach 2:
The command processor performs preliminary checks to determine if a guest shader can execute using available resources before allowing execution to proceed. This preliminary action includes verifying that the guest shader's resource footprint is within the available capacity and that the host shader can continue its execution without conflict. By performing these checks in advance, the system ensures resource allocation correctness is maintained while enabling concurrent execution to reduce overall time.
3Productivity
If multiple tasks are executed concurrently on the same resources, then resource utilization improves, but resource conflicts and execution errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different quality levels of resource sharing for different resource types. The system distinguishes between various resource categories (registers, memory, execution units) and manages their sharing differently. The command processor checks resource availability for each resource type independently, allowing concurrent execution only when the guest shader's requirements are satisfied within the host shader's allocated capacity. This localized management ensures execution correctness is maintained while improving resource utilization efficiency.
4Speed
If resources are reconfigured for high-priority tasks, then performance of critical tasks improves, but the overhead of reconfiguration increases and may disrupt low-priority task execution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes shader processor resources universal by designing them to handle multiple types of tasks (host shader and guest shader) without requiring dedicated hardware for each task type. The same shader processor can execute host shaders, guest shaders, or both concurrently based on resource availability. This universality eliminates the need for complex reconfiguration mechanisms, as the resources are inherently capable of handling different task types. The command processor manages the multi-functionality through software-based resource tracking and allocation decisions, reducing hardware complexity while improving the speed of high-priority guest shader execution.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for allowing for concurrent execution of multiple different tasks and preempted prioritized execution of tasks on a shader processor. In an example operation, a driver executed by a central processing unit (CPU) configures GPU resources based on needs of a first “host” shader to allow the first shader to execute “normally” on the GPU. The GPU may observe two sets of tasks, “guest” tasks. Based on, for example, detecting an availability of resources, the GPU may determine a “guest” task may be run while the “host” task is running. A second “guest” shader executes on a GPU by using resources that were configured for the first “host” shader if there are available resources and, in some examples, additional resources are obtained through software-programmable means.