In-line Accelerator Execution Transfer Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems face high overhead in data transfer and processing latency when using accelerators in conjunction with processors, as they require copying data between input/output interfaces and processors, and traditional acceleration methods are inefficient due to the master-slave relationship between processors and accelerators.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an in-line accelerator that automatically transfers execution to a processor upon premature termination, using a bailout mechanism to roll back or continue computation speculatively, allowing for transparent and efficient data and control state transfer between the accelerator and processor, enabling seamless execution path switching between fast and slow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data is copied between input/output interfaces and processors using traditional accelerator methods, then data transfer can be achieved, but processing latency and overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an in-line accelerator as an intermediary component positioned between the I/O interface and the processor. This accelerator directly receives data from the I/O interface and returns results directly to it, eliminating the need for data to be copied to and from the processor memory. The accelerator acts as a mediator that handles specific processing tasks independently, thereby reducing processing latency and overhead while maintaining high data transfer speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accelerators are paired with processors in a master-slave relationship, then system functionality can be extended, but device complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional master-slave relationship by making the in-line accelerator the master component that directly interfaces with the I/O interface, while the processor becomes a slave that is invoked only when the accelerator determines it needs additional processing capability. This inversion eliminates the overhead of the processor managing accelerator operations, as the accelerator autonomously manages its own execution and only engages the processor when necessary, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Productivity
If conventional accelerator methods are used, then processing speed can be improved for specific functions, but overhead and data transfer requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the in-line accelerator directly into the I/O interface architecture, combining the functions of data reception, acceleration processing, and result delivery into a unified integrated system. This merging eliminates separate data transfer operations between the accelerator and processor, reducing the overhead associated with memory access and data copying. The integrated design allows the accelerator to process data in-line without the energy loss of traditional multi-step data transfer operations, thereby improving productivity while reducing energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing system is disclosed that includes an in-line accelerator and a processor. The system can be extended to include an in-line accelerator and system of multi-level accelerators and a processor. The in-line accelerator receives the incoming data elements and begins processing. Upon premature termination of the execution, the in-line accelerator transfers the execution to a processor (or the next level accelerator in a multi-level acceleration system). Transfer of execution includes transferring of data and control. The processor (or the next accelerator) either continues the execution of the in-line accelerator from the bailout point or restarts the execution. The necessary data must be transferred to the processor (or the next accelerator) to complete the execution.