Transpose Buffer for GPU Data Format Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inconsistent data formats among graphics modules within a graphics processing unit lead to performance issues, as some modules are designed to handle quads while others require different data formats, causing discontinuity and slowing down the entire processing unit.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of transpose buffers that convert data between hexadecimal and quad forms, allowing for seamless data transfer in one clock cycle by reorganizing and storing data in random access memories, ensuring all necessary values for a quad are obtained in one clock cycle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If data is transferred in hexadecimal format between graphics modules, then data compatibility is improved, but processing speed deteriorates because modules designed for quad format must wait multiple clock cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata compatibilityVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

A transpose buffer is introduced as an intermediary component between the core and graphics modules. This buffer receives data in hexadecimal format from the core, reorganizes it into quad format, and transfers it to graphics modules in a single clock cycle, thereby maintaining data compatibility while eliminating processing delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The transpose buffer performs data reorganization in advance before the graphics module needs the data. By converting hexadecimal data to quad format beforehand and storing it in the buffer, the system ensures that graphics modules receive properly formatted data immediately when needed, avoiding wait cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If graphics modules process data in different formats, then module versatility is improved, but system performance deteriorates due to data format discontinuity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule versatilityVSAvoidsystem performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The transpose buffer acts as a mediator that enables graphics modules with different data format requirements to work together efficiently. It converts data between hexadecimal and quad formats as needed, allowing modules to maintain their specialized functionality while ensuring seamless data flow throughout the system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7522171B1On-the-fly reordering of 32-bit per component texture images in a multi-cycle data transfer

Publication Date: 2009.04.21 NVIDIA CORP

AI summary

A system of processing data in a graphics processing unit having a core configured to process data in hexadecimal form and other graphics modules configured to process data in quads includes a transpose buffer with a crossbar to reorganize incoming data, several memory banks to store the reorganized data over a period of several clock cycles, and a second crossbar for reorganizing the stored data after it is read from the bank of memories in one clock cycle. The method for converting between data in hexadecimal form and data in quads includes providing data in hexadecimal form, reorganizing the data provided in hexadecimal form, storing the reorganized data in several memories, and reading several of the memory locations, which contain all of the elements of the quad, in one clock cycle.