Application-Level Processor Parameter Management via Hypervisor Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hypervisors and operating systems lack knowledge of the actual runtime environment workload, limiting their ability to optimize processor performance effectively by adjusting hardware configuration and operating parameters.
Innovation Solution
A method where a hypervisor grants access to processor operating parameters to applications, allowing them to adjust parameters such as branch history algorithm and cache data prefetch depth through a workload optimization register, with an optimization function determining optimal values based on performance monitoring during execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the hypervisor or operating system adjusts processor operating parameters, then processor performance optimization is achieved, but the system lacks knowledge of the actual runtime environment workload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (optimization function with workload optimization register) that bridges the gap between the hypervisor/OS and the application. This intermediary allows the application to provide workload information while maintaining security boundaries, enabling informed parameter adjustment without direct access conflicts.
Solution Approach 2:
The application serves itself by providing workload information to the optimization function, which then adjusts processor parameters autonomously. This self-service approach eliminates the information loss that would occur if the hypervisor tried to guess workload characteristics.
2Productivity
If the hypervisor grants access to processor operating parameters to applications, then real-time optimization is enabled, but system security and control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The optimization function acts as a trusted intermediary between the application and processor control registers. It validates workload information and translates it into safe parameter adjustments, preventing direct unauthorized access while enabling real-time optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements fine-grained access control where specific processor parameters can be optimized for specific applications based on their workload characteristics. This localized approach allows optimization where safe while maintaining security boundaries, rather than granting universal access.
3Productivity
If processor parameters are adjusted to fit specific workload, then execution efficiency improves, but the complexity of parameter management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The application automatically provides its workload characteristics to the optimization function, which autonomously determines and applies appropriate parameter settings. This eliminates the need for manual parameter management while achieving workload-specific optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes processor operating parameters based on runtime workload conditions rather than using fixed compilation-time settings. This allows the processor to adapt to varying workload demands, improving execution efficiency without requiring complex manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to application-level processor parameter management. An aspect includes granting, by a hypervisor of a computer system, access to an operating parameter of a processor of the computer system to an application that is running on the computer system. Another aspect includes, based on the granting of access to the operating parameter, receiving, by an optimization function in the computer system from the application, a request to adjust the operating parameter. Another aspect includes determining an adjusted value for the operating parameter during execution of the application. Another aspect includes setting the operating parameter to the adjusted value in a parameter register of the processor. Another aspect includes executing the application according to the parameter register by the processor.