Multi-Processor ISA Emulation via Page-Level Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-processing systems face challenges in efficiently translating and compiling software programs between different instruction set architectures, particularly in multi-processor environments where fast processing speeds are required for real-time applications like graphics and multimedia.
Innovation Solution
A multi-processor system architecture where one processor executes translated and compiled code, while others are dedicated to translating and compiling software programs page by page, utilizing direct memory access and shared memory to facilitate efficient data transfer and execution across different instruction set architectures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multiple processors are used for translation and compilation, then processing speed is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the translation and compilation process into discrete page-level units that can be independently processed by different processors. Each processor handles specific pages of the program, allowing parallel translation without requiring full program analysis. This segmentation enables speed improvement while managing complexity through modular task distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs translation and compilation of program pages in advance before execution is needed. By pre-translating pages as they are requested or in parallel batches, the system prepares translated code ahead of time, improving overall processing speed while distributing the complexity across multiple processors rather than concentrating it in a single translation phase.
2Adaptability or versatility
If program translation is done page by page, then adaptability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary translation of program pages in parallel as they are requested or in advance batches. By preparing multiple pages for translation simultaneously rather than sequentially, the system reduces total processing time while maintaining the adaptability of handling different ISA formats through the same page-by-page approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The translation process continues uninterrupted by maintaining multiple active translation threads that work on different pages simultaneously. Once a page is translated, the system immediately moves to the next page without idle waiting, ensuring continuous productive action. This continuity reduces overall processing time while preserving the flexibility of handling various ISA formats.
3Manufacturing precision
If dedicated translators are used, then translation quality is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the translation workload into discrete page units that can be distributed across multiple processors. Rather than having a single dedicated translator handle everything sequentially, each processor becomes a specialized translation unit for specific pages. This segmentation maintains translation quality through dedicated processing while improving overall productivity through parallel execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system translates only the necessary portions of the program (specific pages) rather than the entire program at once. By focusing translation resources on individual pages that are actually needed, the system achieves high translation quality for each page while improving overall productivity by avoiding unnecessary translation of unused code sections.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus provide for translating a software program page by page from a first instruction set architecture (ISA) into a second ISA using one or more of a set of processors of a multi-processor system; and executing the translated software program using a dedicated other processor of the multi-processor system.