Pattern Memory Unit Context Switching in Reconfigurable Processors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reconfigurable data processors face inefficiencies in handling dataflow graphs due to rigid datapath pipelines that require reconfiguration for task switches, limiting flexibility and performance in executing parallel and interdependent operations.

Innovation Solution

A coarse-grained reconfigurable processor with pattern compute units (PCUs) and pattern memory units (PMUs) connected via a multi-segment datapath pipeline, allowing independent configuration and concurrent context switching to enhance flexibility and efficiency in executing dataflow graphs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid datapath pipeline is used in reconfigurable data processors, then the structure is simple and stable, but flexibility and performance in executing parallel operations are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in executing parallel operationsVSAvoiddatapath pipeline structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The datapath pipeline is divided into multiple independent segments that can be individually configured and activated. Each segment can be independently controlled through context switching, allowing flexible execution of parallel operations without requiring complete pipeline reconfiguration. This segmentation enables selective activation of pipeline portions based on operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic context switching capability that allows the datapath pipeline to transition between different configuration states without physical reconfiguration. Multiple contexts are maintained in hardware, enabling rapid switching between parallel operation modes. This dynamic approach provides adaptability while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire datapath pipeline is reconfigured for task switches, then task flexibility is improved, but reconfiguration time and performance loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask switching flexibilityVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the datapath pipeline into independent controllable portions, the system can switch tasks by activating different segments rather than reconfiguring the entire pipeline. This localized approach to task switching maintains flexibility while minimizing the time and resources required for transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple contexts are pre-configured and maintained in hardware simultaneously. When a task switch is needed, the system simply activates the pre-prepared context rather than performing reconfiguration at switch time. This preliminary preparation eliminates reconfiguration delays and maintains high task switching flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple contexts are switched sequentially in the same segment, then context switching capability is improved, but throughput and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontext switching capabilityVSAvoiddataflow graph execution throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pipeline is divided into multiple segments that can operate independently and concurrently. Different context switches can occur in different segments simultaneously, allowing parallel processing of multiple operations. This eliminates the sequential bottleneck and maintains high throughput while providing full context switching capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By enabling concurrent context switching across multiple segments, the system ensures that useful computational actions continue uninterrupted in each segment. While one segment switches contexts, other segments continue processing, maintaining continuous productive operation and maximizing throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12461778B2Multiple contexts for a memory unit in a reconfigurable data processor

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 SAMBANOVA SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A system includes a coarse-grained reconfigurable (CGR) processor and a compiler configured to generate one or more configuration files for an application for execution on the CGR processor including an array of pattern compute units (PCUs) and pattern memory units (PMUs). A PCU is configured to perform an operation. A PMU comprises a plurality of data structures including a plurality of portions of operation-specific data related to the operation. The PMU is coupled to the PCU via a multi-segment datapath pipeline. The CGR processor is coupled to configure a segment of the datapath pipeline using a set of configurations bits corresponding to a portion of the operation-specific data related to the operation to activate to the segment, to further communicate the operation-specific data to the PCU via the activated segment. The CGR processor is coupled to switch among multiple PMU contexts in various segments sequentially to concurrently.