Processor Approximate Computing Functional Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processor technologies lack practical implementations of approximate computing, which could reduce power consumption by sacrificing accuracy, and there is a need for a commercially viable method to switch between full and reduced accuracy computations.
Innovation Solution
A processor with an indicator to switch between full and reduced accuracy modes, featuring an approximating functional unit that adjusts computations based on an approximation policy, including error handling and power management to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If computations are performed with full degree of accuracy, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor dynamically adjusts the degree of accuracy based on operational context through an indicator that switches between first mode (full accuracy) and second mode (reduced accuracy). This allows the system to adapt computation precision to actual needs, consuming full power only when high accuracy is required and reducing power consumption when approximate results suffice.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the accuracy parameter of computations based on the indicator state. When the indicator indicates the second mode, the functional unit performs computations with less than full degree of accuracy, directly modifying this critical parameter to reduce power consumption while maintaining acceptable reliability for the given context.
2Use of energy by moving object
If computations are performed with reduced accuracy, then power consumption is reduced, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between full accuracy and reduced accuracy modes based on the indicator, ensuring that reduced accuracy is only used when appropriate. This dynamic adjustment prevents unnecessary reliability deterioration by maintaining full accuracy when the operational context requires it.
Solution Approach 2:
The accuracy parameter is changed conditionally based on the indicator state. The functional unit performs computations with less than full degree of accuracy only when the indicator indicates the second mode, allowing power consumption to be reduced without systematically deteriorating reliability across all operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mode indicator is added to switch between accuracy levels, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator serves multiple functions: it indicates the current accuracy mode, controls the functional unit's behavior, and enables the processor to adapt to different computational requirements. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing significant adaptability benefits across various operational contexts.
Data Source
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AI summary
A processor includes an indicator configured to indicate a first mode or a second mode and a functional unit configured to perform computations with a full degree of accuracy when the indicator indicates the first mode and to perform computations with less than the full degree of accuracy when the indicator indicates the second mode.