Modular Hardware Acceleration Device for Dynamic Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing server configurations in computing facilities often lead to inefficient use of resources due to redundant components and inability to dynamically adjust hardware acceleration capabilities to meet varying client demands for specialized processing, resulting in either under or over allocation of processing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-host processing system comprising modular hardware acceleration devices and controllers, allowing for dynamic configuration of processing servers with varying numbers of hardware accelerators, and the ability to add or remove accelerators to balance capacity and recover from failures, thereby optimizing resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple servers are used to increase hardware acceleration capabilities, then processing capacity is improved, but rack space efficiency deteriorates due to redundant server components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments hardware accelerators from their traditional server chassis integration, creating independent accelerator modules that can be mounted directly in rack units. This allows multiple accelerators to be densely packed in rack space without requiring complete server replicas, thus improving productivity while reducing space consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple hardware accelerators into a single rack-mounted system with shared control and power infrastructure. By combining accelerators that would traditionally require separate servers into one integrated unit, the system achieves higher processing capacity per rack unit while eliminating redundant components.
2Ease of operation
If servers include peripheral hardware acceleration processors in a common chassis, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to dynamically reconfigure acceleration capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability by allowing hardware accelerators to be independently added, removed, or reconfigured within the rack-mounted system. The control mechanism can dynamically allocate and manage accelerator resources based on changing computational demands, providing adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity through automated management.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack-mounted hardware accelerator system is designed with universal interfaces and control mechanisms that can manage diverse types of accelerators (GPUs, FPGAs, ASICs, etc.). This multi-functional architecture allows the same infrastructure to support different acceleration capabilities as needs change, enhancing adaptability without compromising ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple servers are deployed to meet varying client demands, then adaptability is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to wasted space from redundant components
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting hardware accelerators into independent rack-mounted modules, the system allows fine-grained allocation of acceleration resources to different clients based on their specific needs. This eliminates the need to deploy entire servers for each client, reducing wasted space from unused components while maintaining the ability to adapt to varying demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of hardware acceleration parameters and resource allocation to match changing client demands. By modifying the configuration and capacity of accelerator resources rather than deploying additional complete servers, the system achieves adaptability while minimizing resource waste and optimizing rack space utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a rack with multiple hardware acceleration devices and multiple modular controllers coupled together into a single system implementing one or more servers. Each modular hardware acceleration device includes multiple hardware accelerators, such as graphical processing units, field programmable gate arrays or other specialized processing circuits. In each modular hardware acceleration device, hardware accelerators are communicatively coupled to a multi-port connection device, such as a switch, and also communicatively coupled to at least two external ports. A modular controller of a particular server coordinates operation of hardware accelerators of multiple hardware acceleration devices included in the particular server to provide advanced processing capabilities. Hardware accelerators may be dynamically assigned to particular processing servers to adjust processing capabilities of those servers. A particular server may be assigned one or more standby controller to enhance availability of the server.