Interruptible Read-Modify-Write Memory Interface for Low Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional read-modify-write (RMW) memory architectures in graphics systems face significant latency issues due to RMW operations, which block other client requests and increase latency, especially for naïve clients that cannot perform compression/decompression, leading to increased costs from required buffering to mitigate these delays.
Innovation Solution
A memory interface that allows RMW operations to be performed as interruptible processes, where higher priority requests can temporarily suspend pending RMW operations, utilizing an arbiter with priority logic and an interruptible RMW module to manage and sequence memory requests, ensuring that time-critical requests are serviced promptly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RMW operations are performed for naïve clients, then data integrity is maintained, but latency increases and other client requests are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic arbitration mechanism that adjusts the servicing order of memory requests based on priority levels. The arbiter can dynamically interrupt pending RMW operations to service high-priority requests, and can resume interrupted RMW operations later. This dynamic reordering allows the system to maintain data integrity for naïve clients while reducing latency for time-critical clients by allowing the arbiter to prioritize requests based on urgency rather than strict FIFO ordering.
2Productivity
If buffering capacity is increased to account for RMW latency, then client requests can be serviced without blocking, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory request handling into different priority levels and uses an arbiter to manage multiple request queues. Instead of requiring large buffers to handle all requests simultaneously, the system divides requests into high-priority and normal-priority categories, allowing critical requests to be serviced immediately while RMW operations proceed in the background. This segmentation eliminates the need for excessive buffering capacity while maintaining productivity.
3Loss of time
If RMW operations are interrupted for high-priority requests, then latency for critical requests is reduced, but RMW operation completion time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a periodic arbitration scheme where the arbiter periodically checks for high-priority requests and decides whether to interrupt current RMW operations. The system allows RMW operations to proceed in periodic intervals rather than being continuously blocked, providing a balance between servicing critical requests and completing RMW operations. This periodic action ensures that while RMW operations may be interrupted, they are guaranteed to progress and complete within bounded time intervals.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory interface permits a read-modify-write process to be implemented as an interruptible process. A pending read-modify-write is capable of being temporarily interrupted to service a higher priority memory request.