Processor Operation Mask Consolidation for SIMD Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current SIMD architectures face challenges in efficiently managing operation masks for packed data operations, leading to suboptimal processing speed and complexity in executing masked packed data instructions.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of operation mask consolidation instructions and processors capable of executing these instructions, which allow for the generation and storage of consolidated operation masks, simplifying the management of operation masks by consolidating unmasked elements and eliminating masked elements between them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If operation masks are managed using traditional SIMD architectures, then packed data operations can be performed in parallel, but the management complexity of operation masks increases and processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple operation mask elements into a consolidated operation mask. The execution unit consolidates unmasked elements from multiple operation masks into a single consolidated operation mask, reducing the number of separate mask management operations and simplifying the overall mask management process while maintaining parallel processing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts unmasked elements from operation masks and consolidates them separately from masked elements. By taking out only the relevant unmasked elements and consolidating them, the system reduces complexity by eliminating the need to manage all mask elements individually, focusing only on the active unmasked portions
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operation masks are used for packed data operations, then selective masking of data elements is enabled, but the number of operations and time required to execute instructions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary consolidation of operation masks before executing packed data instructions. The execution unit consolidates unmasked elements from multiple operation masks in advance, creating a simplified consolidated mask that can be used directly during instruction execution, thereby reducing the time required during the actual computation phase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple operation mask management operations into a single consolidation operation. By merging the functionality of multiple separate mask operations into one consolidated operation, the system maintains selective masking capability while reducing the total number of operations and execution time
Data Source
AI summary
An instruction processing apparatus of an aspect includes a plurality of operation mask registers. The apparatus also includes a decode unit to receive an operation mask consolidation instruction. The operation mask consolidation instruction is to indicate a source operation mask register, of the plurality of operation mask registers, and a destination storage location. The source operation mask register is to include a source operation mask that is to include a plurality of masked elements that are to be disposed within a plurality of unmasked elements. An execution unit is coupled with the decode unit. The execution unit, in response to the operation mask consolidation instruction, is to store a consolidated operation mask in the destination storage location. The consolidated operation mask is to include the unmasked elements from the source operation mask consolidated together. Other apparatus, methods, systems, and instructions are also disclosed.