Master-Slave Processing Rotation in Multi-Processor Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current L1 processing architectures face inefficiencies in task execution due to the complexity mismatch between processing cores and tasks, particularly in systems with a large pool of homogeneous processing cores.
Innovation Solution
A processing unit in a multi-processor system is configured to acquire a master role for executing master functions, which include searching for available processing units. If an available unit is found, the processing unit controls it to perform slave functions; otherwise, it executes the slave functions itself, enabling master-slave role rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large pool of homogeneous processing cores is used, then flexibility and programmability are improved, but task execution efficiency deteriorates due to complexity mismatch between cores and tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically assigns master and slave roles to processing units based on task requirements. A processing unit can transition between master mode (for complex tasks requiring coordination) and slave mode (for simpler execution tasks), allowing the homogeneous core pool to adapt its functionality dynamically rather than being fixed, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and execution efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces role differentiation (master vs. slave) within the homogeneous processing unit pool. Each processing unit can assume different functional qualities locally - master units perform scheduling and coordination while slave units focus on execution - allowing the system to apply appropriate processing complexity locally rather than uniformly across all cores, improving overall task execution efficiency.
2Productivity
If dedicated processing cores with scaled complexity are used, then task execution efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to heterogeneous core architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes homogeneous processing units universal by enabling them to perform multiple functions through role assignment. Each processing unit can function as a master unit (performing scheduling, task distribution, and coordination) or as a slave unit (performing task execution), eliminating the need for dedicated specialized cores while maintaining execution efficiency through appropriate role allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables processing units to self-organize into master-slave relationships based on task requirements. Processing units autonomously determine their roles and responsibilities without requiring complex external arbitration or fixed architectural assignments, reducing system complexity while maintaining efficient task execution through self-service role assignment.
3Device complexity
If master role is held by a single processing unit, then coordination overhead is reduced, but system utilization deteriorates under high processing loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of master units based on processing load. Under low load, a single master unit suffices with minimal coordination overhead. Under high load, additional processing units can be promoted to master role, increasing system utilization and parallel task distribution capability. This dynamic role assignment resolves the contradiction between coordination simplicity and system utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter relates to a method comprising acquiring a master role by a processing unit of a multi-processor system, executing by the processing unit a master function part of a set of tasks: comprising searching an available processing unit of the multi-processor system; wherein in case an available processing unit is found, controlling the found processing unit to perform a slave function part of the set of tasks, and in case no available processing unit is found, executing by the processing unit the slave function part of the set of tasks, wherein the master function comprises a master to slave switching function for releasing the master role and the slave function composes a slave to master switching function for acquiring the master role.