GPU Thread Handoff API for Pending Work Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
GPU thread scheduling often results in wasted resources and duplicate processing due to inefficient management of thread operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an application programming interface (API) that allows running threads to request the cancellation of pending threads, confirm the cancellation, and acquire starting dimensions for new threads, thereby minimizing resource wastage and preventing duplicate processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If GPU threads are scheduled independently without coordination, then thread processing can proceed in parallel, but resource wastage and duplicate processing occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where running threads send cancellation requests to the scheduler when they need to prevent duplicate processing. The scheduler receives these requests, cancels pending threads accordingly, and provides confirmation back to the running threads. This feedback loop enables efficient resource management while preventing waste through coordinated thread control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows running threads to proactively request cancellation of pending threads before the pending threads actually execute. By performing the cancellation action in advance based on workload conditions, the system prevents resource wastage and duplicate processing without waiting for resource allocation to occur first.
2Loss of energy
If thread cancellation is implemented without coordination, then resource wastage can be reduced, but latency increases during thread transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables running threads to request cancellation of pending threads in advance, before the pending threads are scheduled to execute. This preliminary cancellation action reduces the time needed for thread transitions by avoiding the need to wait for pending threads to complete their setup and allocation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of waiting for thread completion or using complex synchronization mechanisms with a lighter-weight cancellation request system. Running threads can directly signal the scheduler to cancel pending threads, and the scheduler handles the cancellation atomically, reducing transition latency without resource wastage.
3Productivity
If the scheduler manages all thread scheduling centrally, then resource allocation is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where running threads actively manage their own workload by sending cancellation requests to the scheduler when needed. This distributes the scheduling control logic to the threads themselves rather than requiring centralized management, reducing scheduler complexity while maintaining efficient resource allocation through thread-initiated coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and techniques to cancel pending GPU thread work to allow said work to be assumed by running thread clusters. In at least one embodiment, processors comprising one or more circuits to perform an application programming interface (API) to cause one or more processors to indicate whether one or more software threads have been prevented from being performed.