Reconfigurable Processor Configuration via Sub-File Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The configuration and reconfiguration processes for reconfigurable processors, such as coarse-grain reconfigurable architectures, are complex and time-consuming, requiring efficient means to load and unload configuration and program state to maximize operating efficiency and enable time-sharing and virtualization techniques.
Innovation Solution
A technology that enables efficient loading and unloading of configuration data from a formatted configuration file using a combination of parallel and serial techniques, involving a configuration load controller and unload controller, which distribute and manage configuration files across a bus system to support quick program swapping in reconfigurable processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If configuration files are loaded using traditional sequential methods, then the processor can be configured, but the loading process is time-consuming and reduces operating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration file is divided into multiple sub-files, each containing configuration data for specific configurable units. This segmentation allows the loading process to be divided into parallel operations, where multiple sub-files can be loaded simultaneously to different configurable units, significantly reducing the total loading time while maintaining complete configuration functionality.
2Reliability
If complex distribution procedures are used to ensure correct configuration, then configuration accuracy is improved, but the procedures become time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration file is pre-organized into sub-files with a specific structure before the loading process begins. This preliminary organization of configuration data into properly formatted sub-files eliminates the need for complex runtime distribution procedures, as the correct configuration is already prepared and can be directly loaded to the appropriate configurable units without time-consuming validation or rearrangement operations.
3Quantity of substance
If configuration data is stored in detailed formats, then configuration completeness is improved, but the loading and unloading processes become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Different sub-files are created with configuration data formatted according to the specific requirements of each configurable unit type. This local quality approach ensures that each sub-file contains only the necessary configuration information for its target unit, maintaining completeness while simplifying the loading process, as each sub-file is already pre-formatted and can be directly loaded without complex processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable data processor comprises a bus system, and an array of configurable units connected to the bus system, configurable units in the array including configuration data stores to store unit files comprising a plurality of sub-files of configuration data particular to the corresponding configurable units. Configurable units in the plurality of configurable units each include logic to execute a unit configuration load process, including receiving via the bus system, sub-files of a unit file particular to the configurable unit, and loading the received sub-files into the configuration store of the configurable unit. A configuration load controller connected to the bus system, including logic to execute an array configuration load process, including distributing a configuration file comprising unit files for a plurality of the configurable units in the array.