Microcode Patch Propagation in Multicore Processors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-core microprocessors face challenges in efficient communication and synchronization between cores for tasks like power management, cache management, and debugging, as existing methods lack speed, precision, and system-level transparency.
Innovation Solution
A microprocessor architecture that includes a plurality of processing cores, each capable of executing microcode and applying microcode patches, where a first core informs and applies the patch to all other cores, ensuring synchronized operations without executing other microcode instructions during the patching process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If semaphores located in system memory are used for inter-core communication, then system-level transparency is achieved, but communication speed and precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the microcode execution space by introducing a dedicated microcode patch execution region that is separate from regular microcode instructions. This allows patch application to occur in an isolated environment, enabling faster and more precise inter-core communication without compromising system-level transparency. The segmentation creates a specialized execution context for patching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a dedicated patch execution microcode sequence that mediates between the need for fast communication and system-level transparency. This intermediary layer handles the patch application process, allowing cores to communicate efficiently while maintaining the transparency required for system-wide operations.
2Measurement precision
If microcode patches are applied to multiple cores simultaneously, then synchronization precision is improved, but complexity of coordinating patch application increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the patch application process across multiple cores by having all cores execute the same microcode patch simultaneously from a shared microcode storage location. This consolidation approach achieves precise synchronization without requiring complex coordination logic at each core, as all cores follow the same execution path for patch application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the microcode patch in advance in a dedicated storage region before it needs to be applied. The patch is pre-validated and staged in a format ready for simultaneous execution across all cores. This preliminary preparation reduces the coordination complexity during actual patch application, as the cores simply need to retrieve and execute the pre-prepared patch without complex negotiation.
3Productivity
If other microcode instructions are executed during patching, then processor productivity is maintained, but patch application reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the patch application process from the regular microcode execution stream by dedicating a specific microcode patch execution region. This extraction isolates the patching operation from other microcode instructions, ensuring that no other instructions are executed during patch application. This maintains reliability while the dedicated region is designed to minimize disruption to overall processor productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A microprocessor includes a plurality of processing cores, wherein each of the plurality of processing cores executes microcode and comprises hardware to patch the microcode. A first core of the plurality of processing cores is configured to encounter an instruction that instructs the first core to apply a microcode patch. The first core of the plurality of processing cores is further configured to, in response to encountering the instruction, inform each core of the other of the plurality of processing cores of the microcode patch and apply the microcode patch to the hardware of the first core. Each core of the plurality of processing cores other than the first core is configured to apply the microcode patch to the hardware of the core, in response to being informed by the first core.