Matrix Multiplication Pipeline Clock Gating for Zero-Value Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Matrix multiplication operations, particularly in deep neural networks, are time-consuming and require significant silicon area and processing power, necessitating the development of efficient and flexible hardware units that can handle various matrix sizes.
Innovation Solution
A hardware unit for matrix multiplication utilizing a pipeline architecture with clock-gated storage elements based on zero-value detection, allowing for per-element or partial-element clock gating to reduce power consumption without increasing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional hardware units perform matrix multiplication without clock gating, then they can process all data elements, but they consume excessive power and require large silicon area
Solution Approach 1:
The hardware unit segments the data elements into non-zero and zero-value portions, and segments the pipeline stages to apply clock gating selectively. Each pipeline stage has storage elements that can be independently clock-gated based on whether the data elements require processing, allowing fine-grained power management while maintaining computational throughput for non-zero elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic clock gating where storage elements are clocked only when necessary based on data element values. The clock signal is periodically enabled or disabled for different pipeline stages depending on whether the current data elements have non-zero values, creating a rhythmic pattern of activation that reduces overall power consumption while maintaining processing capability.
2Loss of energy
If clock gating is applied to reduce power consumption, then power consumption decreases, but hardware complexity increases due to control logic requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control logic is designed to automatically detect zero-value data elements and generate appropriate clock gating signals without external intervention. The system self-regulates by monitoring data element values and autonomously controlling the clock signals to storage elements, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms while reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the clock signal parameter (enabling/disabling) based on the value parameter of data elements. When data elements are identified as zero-values, the clock signal is disabled for corresponding storage elements; when data elements are non-zero, the clock signal is enabled. This parameter-based control simplifies the logic by using direct value-based decisions rather than complex control algorithms.
3Loss of energy
If storage elements are clock-gated on a per-element basis, then power consumption is optimized, but the hardware structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clock gating control for multiple storage elements into a unified control mechanism. Instead of independently controlling each storage element, the system uses a single clock signal that is selectively enabled or disabled for groups of storage elements based on whether the corresponding data elements have non-zero values. This merging reduces control complexity while maintaining per-element power optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The control logic is designed with universal functionality to handle both per-element clock gating and partial element clock gating. The same control mechanism can operate in different modes depending on the data element characteristics, making the system adaptable without requiring separate hardware paths for different control granularities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the hardware unit is designed for flexible matrix multiplication support, then adaptability improves, but silicon area and processing power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hardware unit implements dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the pipeline stages and storage elements can be adaptively activated or deactivated based on the specific matrix multiplication requirements. The clock gating mechanism allows the same hardware structure to dynamically adjust its active processing capacity, enabling flexible support for various matrix sizes without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Hardware units and methods for performing matrix multiplication via a multi-stage pipeline wherein the storage elements associated with one or more stages of the pipeline are clock gated based on the data elements and/or portions thereof that known to have a zero value (or can be treated as having a zero value). In some cases, the storage elements may be clock gated on a per data element basis based on whether the data element has a zero value (or can be treated as having a zero value). In other cases, the storage elements may be clock gated on a partial element basis based on the bit width of the data elements. For example, if bit width of the data elements is less than a maximum bit width for the data elements then a portion of the bits related to that data element can be treated as having a zero value and a portion of the storage elements associated with that data element may not be clocked. In yet other cases the storage elements may be clock gated on both a per element and a partial element basis.