Processing Circuitry With Compiler-Guided ISA Pruning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit implementations on processors and programmable logic devices suffer from inefficiencies due to the inclusion of unnecessary and redundant instructions and logic blocks, leading to excessive resource consumption and power usage without contributing to the desired functionality.
Innovation Solution
A compiler is used to analyze software and determine which instructions of predefined ISA units and logic blocks are redundant, allowing for their removal or replacement with custom instructions, optimizing the circuit design for processors and programmable logic devices to reduce resource consumption and improve efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If predefined ISA units with bundled instructions are implemented in the processor, then broad functionality is provided, but unnecessary area consumption occurs due to unused instructions
Solution Approach 1:
The processor divides the Instruction Set Architecture into modular units, where each ISA unit contains a subset of instructions tailored to specific functions. The compiler selects and implements only the necessary ISA units based on software analysis, breaking down the monolithic approach of including all bundled instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and removes extraneous instructions from predefined ISA units that are not needed for the specific software application. The compiler analyzes the software to identify which instructions are actually used and eliminates the rest, reducing processor area while maintaining necessary functionality.
2Reliability
If extraneous instructions are included in the processor design, then complete ISA coverage is achieved, but resource utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The compiler performs preliminary analysis of the software before processor implementation to determine which ISA units and instructions are actually needed. This upfront analysis allows the system to configure the processor with only the necessary instructions, avoiding the waste of implementing complete ISA coverage when it is not required.
3Ease of manufacture
If compiler uses predefined library of logic blocks, then implementation is simplified, but unused functions are implemented causing inefficient resource use
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the configuration parameters of logic blocks based on software analysis. The compiler adjusts which functions within predefined logic blocks are activated, transforming fixed configurations into adaptable ones that match the actual software requirements, thereby reducing unused resource consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems or methods of the present disclosure may provide efficient circuit implementation on processing circuitry. The processing circuitry may include a processor, a programmable hardware, or both. The systems and methods may include determining and removing unused and/or redundant portions of predefined software and hardware description instructions before implementing associated circuitry. The implemented circuitry may perform various functions including parsing, pipelining, deparsing, temporary storage and combining, math operations, or a combination thereof, among other things.