Insert Operation Memory Buffer Lock-Free Producer Pointer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data processing systems face latency issues when multiple requesters share a buffer structure due to the need for synchronization of updates to the pointer and buffer, often requiring locks that introduce additional read and write transactions.
Innovation Solution
The system employs memory access circuitry and control circuitry to perform insert operations directly in response to insert requests, writing payloads to memory locations selected by a producer pointer value and incrementing the producer pointer register, eliminating the need for locks and reducing latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locks are used to ensure exclusivity of pointer updates, then synchronization reliability is improved, but latency increases due to extra read and write transactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking mechanism from the buffer access operation. Instead of using locks to protect pointer updates, the system uses a separate lock-free mechanism where the producer pointer is updated atomically through the insert register, eliminating the need for traditional locks and reducing latency while maintaining synchronization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert register acts as an intermediary between the producer pointer and the buffer. It receives insert requests and coordinates the insertion operation without requiring locks, thereby eliminating the harmful locking overhead while ensuring proper synchronization of buffer access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple requesters share the same buffer structure, then resource utilization is improved, but synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the buffer access operations into independent producer and consumer sides. The producer pointer update and buffer insertion are separated from consumer operations, allowing multiple requesters to access the buffer concurrently without complex synchronization protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer structure provides self-service synchronization through its design. The insert register automatically handles coordination between multiple requesters without external locking mechanisms, enabling concurrent access while simplifying the synchronization burden.
3Productivity
If atomic insert operations are implemented without locks, then productivity is improved, but implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pointer update operation with the buffer insertion operation into a single atomic process. The insert register combines the functions of request coordination and pointer management, allowing multiple insertions to proceed atomically without locks and thereby improving throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises memory access circuitry to access a memory system; a plurality of memory mapped registers, including at least an insert register and a producer pointer register; and control circuitry to perform an insert operation in response to receipt of an insert request from a requester device sharing access to the memory system. The insert request specifies an address mapped to the insert register and an indication of a payload. The insert operation includes controlling the memory access circuitry to write the payload to a location in the memory system selected based on a producer pointer value stored in the producer pointer register, and updating the producer pointer register to increment the producer pointer value.