Integrated Circuit Processor Context Switch Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuit processors experience non-negligible latency during context switches, especially when storing and retrieving process states from external memory, which can hinder efficient multi-threading and single-threading operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple register sets within the integrated circuit processor allows for the storage and retrieval of process states internally, reducing latency by enabling rapid context switching between threads without the need for additional hardware, and allowing selection between multi-thread and single-thread modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If process states are stored in external memory during context switches, then the integrated circuit processor can handle multiple processes, but the context switch latency becomes non-negligible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory storage for process states into multiple separate register sets (first register set and second register set) that are internally coupled to the processor core. This segmentation allows the processor to store states of multiple processes in dedicated internal registers rather than accessing external memory, thereby reducing context switch latency while maintaining multi-process handling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-allocates multiple register sets within the processor before context switches occur. By having these register sets ready and available in internal memory, the processor can perform context switches without the delay of allocating or accessing external memory resources during the actual switch operation.
2Speed
If multiple register sets are provided inside the integrated circuit processor to reduce context switch latency, then the switching speed improves, but the hardware complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the multiple register sets to serve dual purposes: they function as general-purpose registers for normal process execution and as dedicated storage for process states during context switches. This multi-functionality allows the register sets to reduce context switch latency without requiring entirely separate specialized hardware structures, thereby limiting the increase in hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the context switch storage function with the existing register file structure of the processor. Instead of adding completely separate memory structures for context switching, the register sets are integrated into the processor's existing register architecture, merging the context storage function with the general-purpose register function to minimize additional hardware complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the integrated circuit processor supports both multi-thread and single-thread modes, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching capability that allows the processor to operate in either single-thread or multi-thread mode based on the configuration of the multiple register sets. When configured for multi-thread mode, the register sets are activated to handle multiple process states; when in single-thread mode, the same register sets are used in their traditional single-process configuration. This dynamic reconfigurability provides adaptability without requiring physically different hardware configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A processor includes an instruction pipeline. The pipeline can be operated alternatively in a multi-thread mode and in a single-thread mode. In the multi-thread mode, the instruction pipeline processes multiple threads in an interleaved or simultaneous manner. In the single-thread mode, the pipeline processes a single thread. The instruction pipeline comprises multiple functional units, each of which is reserved for one thread among the multiple threads when the pipeline is in the multi-thread mode and reserved for one context layer among multiple context layers when the instruction pipeline is in the single-thread mode.