Complex Matrix Conjugate Transpose Execution Circuitry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current computer processor architectures face challenges in efficiently executing complex matrix operations, particularly in performing complex matrix conjugate transpose and multiplication instructions, due to limitations in existing instruction set architectures and execution units.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of specialized execution circuitry and instruction formats that include dedicated hardware for complex matrix operations, such as matrix multiplication, conjugation, and transpose, within the processor architecture, allowing for efficient execution of these operations through optimized micro-operations and hardware logic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If specialized execution circuitry and instruction formats are implemented for complex matrix operations, then processing speed and computational performance improve, but device complexity and resource utilization increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex matrix operation is divided into separate micro-operations: conjugation operation and transpose operation. The execution circuitry is segmented into dedicated units for each micro-operation, allowing independent optimization and parallel execution paths. This segmentation enables the processor to handle complex matrix operations efficiently while maintaining modularity in the hardware design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of operation by implementing both conjugation and transpose operations within a single instruction execution framework. Instead of handling these as separate sequential operations, the architecture adds a dimensional layer that processes both transformations simultaneously through dedicated execution units, thereby improving throughput without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If dedicated hardware for matrix operations is added, then computational performance improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputational performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The execution circuitry is designed with universal components that can perform multiple functions. The conjugation execution unit and transpose execution unit share common data paths, control logic structures, and register files. This multi-functionality approach allows the hardware to deliver specialized matrix operation performance while reducing manufacturing complexity through component reuse and standardized design patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If complex matrix conjugate transpose and multiplication instructions are executed using existing architectures, then device simplicity is maintained, but processing efficiency and resource utilization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by performing conjugation operation as a distinct micro-operation before the transpose operation and matrix multiplication. This preliminary processing of complex number conjugation allows subsequent operations to work with pre-processed data, improving overall execution efficiency. The dedicated conjugation execution unit prepares data in advance, enabling faster downstream processing without increasing the complexity of the main execution path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4020177A1Apparatus and method for complex matrix conjugate transpose
Publication Date: 2022.06.29 INTEL CORP
  • EP4020177A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4020177A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4020177A1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)

AI summary

An apparatus and method for complex matrix conjugation. For example, one embodiment of a processor comprises: a decoder to decode a complex conjugate transpose instruction including a source operand to identify a complex source matrix and a destination operand to identify a complex result matrix, the complex source matrix to store a first plurality of complex values and the complex result matrix to store a second plurality of complex values, each complex value in the first and second plurality of complex values including a real component and an imaginary component; a plurality of registers or local memory to store all or a subset of the first plurality of complex values; and execution circuitry to execute the complex conjugate transpose instruction using matrix conjugation hardware logic to determine a plurality of complex conjugate values corresponding to the first plurality of complex values, and transpose hardware logic to perform a matrix transpose operation using the plurality of complex conjugate values to generate a result matrix.