Graphics Processor Simulation Using Programmable Circuitry

Solution Overview

Problem

Replicating the operation of a graphics processor on a data processing system consumes significant processing time and resources, and existing methods struggle to accurately replicate the precision of fixed function operations due to differences in hardware configuration and the lack of precise API control.

Innovation Solution

The method involves providing executable program instructions for a graphics processor to replicate fixed function operations of a target graphics processor, using programmable processing circuitry to generate outputs that match the precision of the target, thereby allowing for more accurate testing and simulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the operation of a target graphics processor is replicated entirely in software on a central processor, then the hardware configuration and software/hardware interface can be tested before implementation, but the processing time and resources consumed are significant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a software model that copies the operation of the target graphics processor on the host processor. This model replicates the fixed function operations and programmable processing circuitry in software, allowing testing of hardware configurations and interfaces before actual hardware implementation without requiring physical prototypes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical graphics processor hardware with a software-based simulation running on the host processor. The fixed function operations are implemented as software routines, and the programmable processing circuitry is simulated through software execution, substituting physical hardware with computational software equivalents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the operation of a target graphics processor is replicated entirely in software on a central processor, then testing can be performed before implementation, but the processing resources consumed are significant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidprocessing resources

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a software model that copies the operation of the target graphics processor on the host processor. This model replicates the fixed function operations and programmable processing circuitry in software, allowing testing of hardware configurations and interfaces before actual hardware implementation without requiring physical prototypes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical graphics processor hardware with a software-based simulation running on the host processor. The fixed function operations are implemented as software routines, and the programmable processing circuitry is simulated through software execution, substituting physical hardware with computational software equivalents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed function operations are replicated using software on a central processor, then the operation can be simulated, but the precision of the output cannot match the target graphics processor due to hardware configuration differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimulation capabilityVSAvoidoutput precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of the host processor's fixed function operations to match those of the target graphics processor. By adjusting operational parameters such as precision settings, data types, and computational characteristics, the software model produces bit-exact outputs that match the target hardware despite running on different physical hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a software model that copies not only the structure but also the operational characteristics of the target graphics processor. The model replicates the fixed function operations with identical precision and behavior, ensuring that simulation results are faithful representations of the actual hardware behavior

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10559056B2Graphics processing

Publication Date: 2020.02.11 ARM LTD

AI summary

A data processing system replicates the operation of a target graphics processor under test by making use of a native graphics processor of the data processing system. The native graphics processor is provided with executable program instructions that replicate some or all of the fixed function operations of the target graphics processor. The programmable processing circuitry of the graphics processor of the data processing system can then generate an output by executing the executable program instructions, rather than by using fixed function processing circuitry of the graphics processor of the data processing system. The data processing system can provide a “bit-exact” testing environment when replicating the operation of the target graphics processor using the native graphics processor, for example where the target graphics processor and native graphics processor are configured very differently from one another.