Processor Freeze Register for Stable State Acknowledgement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a processor supporting multiple applications, supervisory applications face challenges in accessing and modifying resources due to the lack of visibility into resource allocation and timing, making it difficult to monitor or terminate applications effectively.
Innovation Solution
The processor introduces a freeze register mechanism that allows software to halt pipeline processing, prevent context switching, and ensure downstream resources are stable, enabling safe access and modification of states and registers by asserting a predetermined freeze bit and acknowledging the freeze state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the processor supports multiple applications with independent resource scheduling, then resource utilization and processing capability are improved, but the ability of supervisory applications to access and monitor processor states is worsened due to context switching and lack of visibility into resource allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a freeze register as an intermediary mechanism between supervisory applications and processor resources. When software asserts the freeze register, it acts as a mediator to halt pipeline processing and prevent context switching, thereby providing the supervisory application with a stable window to access and monitor processor states without interference from ongoing multiplexed operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by allowing software to assert the freeze register before accessing processor states. This preliminary freeze action ensures that the processor is in a stable, predictable state before the supervisory application attempts to read or modify registers, eliminating the need to wait for natural context switch boundaries
2Adaptability or versatility
If the processor dynamically allocates resources to different channels, then adaptability and responsiveness to application needs are improved, but the stability of processor states for monitoring and modification is worsened due to ongoing context switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the processor to operate in two distinct modes: normal dynamic mode where resources are flexibly allocated to different channels based on application needs, and frozen static mode where the freeze register is asserted to prevent context switching and stabilize processor states. The system dynamically transitions between these modes based on whether software needs to access processor states
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by asserting the freeze register to preemptively prevent context switching before it can occur. This anti-action counteracts the natural tendency of the processor to switch contexts dynamically, thereby stabilizing the processor state for supervisory access without permanently restricting the processor's adaptability
3Reliability
If the processor allows software to access and modify processor locations, then system stability and control are improved, but the complexity of the freezing mechanism and acknowledge tracking is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through the acknowledge bit mechanism. When software asserts the freeze register, the processor responds by setting an acknowledge bit to confirm the freeze state. This feedback loop provides software with reliable information about the processor's state, enabling safe access and modification operations while keeping the complexity manageable through a simple binary acknowledgment signal
Data Source
AI summary
Software can freeze portions of a pipeline operation in a processor by asserting a predetermined freeze register in the processor. The processor halts operations relating to portions of a common pipeline processing in response to an asserted freeze register. Processor resources that operate downstream from the common pipeline continue to process any scheduled instructions. The processor is prevented from initiating any context switching in which a processor resource is allocated to a different channel. The processor stops supplying any additional data to downstream resources and ensures that the interface to downstream resources is clear of previously sent data. The processor prevents state machines from making additional requests. The processor asserts an acknowledgement indication in response to the freeze assertion when the processing has reached a stable state. Software is allowed to manipulate states and registers within the processor. Clearing the freeze register allows processing to resume.