Reconfigurable Processor Debugging With Breakpoint-Driven Graph Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems with reconfigurable processors face challenges in efficiently managing control flows during the execution of dataflow graphs, leading to suboptimal performance due to inefficient pipeline optimization.
Innovation Solution
A debugging framework that includes compile time logic for generating configuration files, execution flow logic dependent on breakpoint conditions, and runtime logic for executing these files on reconfigurable processors, utilizing an intelligent graph orchestrator and executor engine (IGOEE) to minimize graph setup and execution overhead and maximize computing resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional execution management is used for dataflow graphs on reconfigurable processors, then system complexity is reduced, but pipeline optimization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intelligent graph orchestrator and executor engine (IGOEE) as an intermediary layer between the compiler and the reconfigurable processor execution units. This IGOEE component manages control flows and optimizes pipeline execution, thereby improving productivity without requiring complex changes to the underlying processor architecture or compiler complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary analysis and optimization of dataflow graphs during the compilation phase, generating optimized execution plans before runtime. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare pipeline optimization strategies in advance, improving execution efficiency without adding runtime complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If more control flows are generated for dataflow graph execution, then functional capability is improved, but management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control flows into unified management structures within the IGOEE, consolidating the handling of diverse control flow patterns into a single optimization engine that can manage them collectively, thereby maintaining versatility while improving management efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts control flow parameters and execution strategies based on the specific characteristics of each dataflow graph, transforming rigid control flow management into an adaptive system that optimizes for each workload, improving both capability and efficiency
3Speed
If pipeline optimization is enhanced through intelligent grouping and pipelining, then execution speed is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dataflow graph execution into distinct pipeline stages and control operation groups that can be independently optimized and managed. This segmentation allows the IGOEE to apply targeted optimization strategies to each segment, improving execution speed while keeping the complexity of each individual segment manageable
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing system includes an array of reconfigurable units and a compiler configured to generate one or more configuration files for an application for execution on one or more reconfigurable processors. The data processing system further includes an execution flow logic which is configured to cause execution of the configuration files on the reconfigurable processors to be dependent upon one or more breakpoint conditions. The data processing further includes a runtime logic configured to execute the configuration files depending upon the breakpoint conditions. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.