Hybrid Configuration State Register Memory-Processor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of latch-based control registers in computing environments leads to performance, chip area, and power consumption issues, particularly during context switching and due to out-of-order updates, which affect processing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing configuration state registers both in-memory and in-processor, with portions stored in system memory and accessed using memory addresses, allowing for re-ordered or speculative access, and using load and store instructions to manage these registers, reducing the need for conventional latch-based updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If latch-based control registers are used to support multi-threading, then the number of threads that can be concurrently executed increases, but the chip area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control registers are segmented into two portions: a first portion stored in memory and a second portion stored in the processor. This segmentation allows frequently accessed register data to remain in the processor while less frequently accessed data is stored in memory, reducing the chip area required for latch-based registers while maintaining multi-threading capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension storage approach (all registers in processor latches) to a two-dimension storage approach (hybrid memory-processor storage). This dimensional change in storage architecture reduces the footprint in the processor while maintaining accessibility through memory interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If latch-based control registers are used, then context switching can be performed, but the cost of context switching increases with more registers
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting control registers into memory-stored and processor-stored portions, the patent enables selective context switching. Only the necessary processor portions need to be switched during context transitions, while memory portions can be updated independently, reducing the overall cost and time of context switching operations.
3Reliability
If updates to control registers occur in program order, then correctness is maintained, but performance is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of control registers into memory and processor portions enables independent update paths. The memory portion can be updated out of program order or speculatively without affecting the correctness of processor updates, which maintain program order when needed. This resolves the contradiction by allowing performance optimization in one portion while maintaining reliability in the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory system acts as an intermediary between the processor and the full control register state. This intermediary allows the processor to work with a subset of registers in program order for correctness, while the memory holds the complete state that can be updated more flexibly, thus mediating between reliability and performance requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Portions of configuration state registers in-memory. An instruction is obtained, and a determination is made that the instruction accesses a configuration state register. A portion of the configuration state register is in-memory and another portion of the configuration state register is in-processor. Processing associated with the configuration state register is performed. The performing processing is based on a type of access and whether the portion or the other portion is being accessed.