Processor Redundancy Control for Multi-Core Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Processor systems with multiple cores face challenges in efficiently executing applications with varying degrees of redundancy, as existing methods do not effectively determine the optimal redundancy level based on application characteristics and hardware conditions, leading to suboptimal performance and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a processor system that determines the degree of redundancy for executing applications based on criteria such as delay sensitivity, error sensitivity, and hardware load, allowing for non-redundant or redundant execution using one or multiple processor cores, and employing fault domains for error isolation and recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant execution is used for all applications, then reliability is improved, but resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the redundancy parameter based on application characteristics. Critical applications receive redundant execution across multiple processor cores, while non-critical applications run on single cores. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing reliability only where necessary, thereby maintaining high resource utilization.
2Speed
If multiple processor cores are used simultaneously, then execution speed is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments applications into different categories (critical and non-critical) and assigns different execution strategies to each segment. Critical applications are distributed across multiple processor cores with coordinated execution, while non-critical applications run independently on single cores. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining speed improvements for critical tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines the degree of redundancy and core allocation based on real-time application characteristics and system conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize execution speed when needed while minimizing complexity overhead during normal operation.
3Reliability
If redundant execution is implemented, then fault tolerance is improved, but execution time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the redundancy parameter selectively based on application criticality and timing requirements. For time-sensitive applications, the system may use lighter redundancy mechanisms or single-core execution with error detection, while for non-time-critical applications, full redundant execution is applied. This resolves the contradiction by balancing fault tolerance with execution time constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
Processor operating methods and integrated circuits are described. According to one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes a processor configured to execute a first application and to redundantly execute a second application while executing the first application, the first application being different from the second application. According to another embodiment, a processor operating method includes receiving a request to execute an application using a processor having a plurality of processor cores. The method also includes, in response to the receiving, determining whether the application should be executed redundantly or non-redundantly, non-redundantly executing the application using one processor core of the plurality if the determining comprises determining that the application should be executed non-redundantly, and redundantly executing the application using two or more processor cores of the plurality if the determining comprises determining that the application should be executed redundantly.