Multiprocessor Unified Address Space for Mixed Width Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multiprocessor computer systems face challenges in efficiently managing memory architecture, particularly in systems with multiple processors having different addressable memory spaces, where existing solutions often result in complex address translation and limited memory access.
Innovation Solution
A multiprocessor computer system is designed with a unified address space, where multiple processors with different addressable memory spaces share a common address space, allowing scalar and vector processors to access distinct memory regions, including local and global address spaces, with specific address bits identifying memory regions and enabling direct access to protected memory spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If processors with different address widths are used in a multiprocessor system, then processing capability and memory capacity are improved, but address translation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The address space is segmented into distinct regions, with each region having its own address translation rules and characteristics. This allows different address widths and translation mechanisms to coexist without interfering with each other, resolving the complexity issue while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary address translation mechanism is introduced that mediates between processors of different address widths and the unified memory system, simplifying the translation process by providing a standardized interface layer
2Adaptability or versatility
If a unified address space is implemented across processors with different addressable memory spaces, then memory sharing and system integration are improved, but address translation overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
Address translation tables and mappings are pre-configured and established before memory access operations occur. This preliminary setup allows processors to access memory with minimal real-time translation overhead, as the translation paths are already determined
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts address translation parameters based on the processor type and memory region being accessed. By changing translation parameters such as address width and mapping rules according to specific conditions, the system optimizes translation speed while maintaining unified address space functionality
3Speed
If direct memory access is enabled for processors with different address widths, then memory access speed is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each processor type is assigned specific memory regions optimized for its address width and access characteristics. This local optimization allows direct memory access at high speed while containing complexity within specific memory regions rather than requiring complex coordination across the entire memory space
Data Source
AI summary
A multiprocessor computer system has a plurality of first processors having a first addressable memory space, and a plurality of second processors having a second addressable memory space. The second addressable memory space is of a different size than the first addressable memory space, and the first addressable memory space and second addressable memory space comprise a part of the same common address space.