Matrix Computing Device Pipeline Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

General-purpose processors are inefficient in processing information, especially with large loads, leading to low processing efficiency and long computation times for matrix operations in machine learning models.

Innovation Solution

A computing device with an operation unit, controller unit, and storage unit is designed to parse calculation instructions, extract operation codes and data, and perform matrix calculations efficiently, utilizing a structure of n-stage pipeline to improve processing speed and efficiency, and can be interconnected via a fast PCIE bus for larger-scale operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a general-purpose processor is used to process information with large load, then the processor can handle various types of computations, but the processing efficiency is low and computation time is long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidcomputation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The processor is divided into multiple computing units (first computing unit, second computing unit, etc.) that can independently perform different operations simultaneously. Each computing unit handles specific computational tasks in parallel, breaking down the overall computation into smaller segments that can be processed concurrently, thereby improving processing efficiency and reducing computation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple computing units are merged into a single processor system that can execute multiple operations simultaneously. The processor combines vector computing units, matrix computing units, and other specialized units to handle complex computations in parallel, achieving higher throughput and faster computation times compared to sequential processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a general-purpose processor runs a software program to process information, then the processor is versatile, but the operating speed is limited and efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidoperating speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The processor dynamically switches between different computing modes and configurations based on the specific computational task. Computing units can be activated or deactivated as needed, and the processor can adapt its internal data flow and operation sequences to match the requirements of different algorithms, maintaining versatility while optimizing operating speed for each specific task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The processor changes operational parameters such as data precision, computation mode, and resource allocation based on the specific computational requirements. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the processor can optimize its operating speed for different types of computations while maintaining the ability to handle various computational tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11734383B2Vector and matrix computing device
Publication Date: 2023.08.22 CAMBRICON TECH CO LTD
  • US11734383B2 patent drawing
  • US11734383B2 patent drawing
  • US11734383B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computing device and related products are provided. The computing device is configured to perform machine learning calculations. The computing device includes an operation unit, a controller unit, and a storage unit. The storage unit includes a data input/output (I/O) unit, a register, and a cache. Technical solution provided by the present disclosure has advantages of fast calculation speed and energy saving.