Multi-Register Scatter Instruction for Vector Data Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional scatter operations in computer processors require complex and lengthy chains of permutes and shuffles to distribute computed values across multiple vector registers, leading to inefficiencies in instruction sequences and performance.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a multi-register scatter instruction that allows for the direct storage of multiple data elements from a single source vector register into multiple destination vector registers with a single instruction, utilizing a scatter index and mask value format to specify destination registers and indices, thereby eliminating the need for costly shuffles and permutes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional scatter operations use complex chains of permutes and shuffles to distribute computed values across multiple vector registers, then the data distribution can be achieved, but the instruction sequence becomes lengthy and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple scatter operations and permute/shuffle instructions into a single unified scatter instruction. This single instruction can distribute elements from a source vector register to multiple destination vector registers simultaneously, eliminating the need for lengthy chains of separate instructions and thereby improving performance while reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The scatter instruction is designed with multi-functionality to handle various scatter patterns universally. It can distribute elements to different destination registers based on scatter indices, replacing the need for multiple specialized permute and shuffle instructions, thus simplifying the instruction sequence while maintaining data distribution capability
2Ease of operation
If traditional scatter operations use multiple permutes and shuffles, then data can be distributed to multiple registers, but the number of instructions increases and execution time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple scatter operations are merged into a single instruction that can simultaneously distribute elements to multiple destination registers. This reduces the total number of instructions programmers need to write and execute, thereby simplifying programming while reducing execution time
Solution Approach 2:
The scatter instruction performs preliminary organization of data distribution patterns within its instruction structure (using scatter indices and destination register specifications). This pre-planned distribution approach eliminates the need for multiple sequential permute and shuffle operations, reducing both programming complexity and execution time
3Productivity
If traditional scatter operations are implemented with lengthy instruction chains, then data distribution is achieved, but instruction count increases and processor execution pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual scatter instructions into one comprehensive scatter instruction that can distribute elements to multiple destination registers in a single operation. This dramatically reduces the instruction count while maintaining efficient data distribution across registers
Solution Approach 2:
The unified scatter instruction provides universal functionality to handle various data distribution patterns that previously required multiple specialized instructions. By encoding destination register identifiers and scatter indices within a single instruction, it reduces the quantity of instructions needed while improving data distribution efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A processor fetches a multi-register scatter instruction that includes a source operand and a destination operand. The source operand specifies a source vector register that includes multiple source data elements. The destination operand identifies multiple destination data elements that each specify a destination vector register and an index into that destination vector register. The instruction is decoded and executed, causing, for each of those identified destination data elements, the one of the source data elements that is in a position in the source vector register that corresponds with a position of that destination data element to be stored in the destination vector register at the index specified by that destination data element.