Compiler for Regular Expression to FPGA Netlist Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current approaches for implementing finite state machines, particularly in FPGA-based systems, face challenges in efficiently converting regular expressions into machine code for high-throughput pattern matching, leading to suboptimal performance in applications like regular expression matching and signal processing.
Innovation Solution
A compiler is developed to convert source code into machine code that configures a parallel machine, which includes a finite state machine engine and FPGA, optimizing the conversion process by parsing source code into syntax trees, optimizing automata, and mapping states to hardware elements, thereby enhancing the efficiency of regular expression matching and pattern recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current approaches for implementing finite state machines in FPGA-based systems are used, then the system can perform regular expression matching, but the conversion process from regular expressions to machine code is inefficient leading to suboptimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion process is divided into distinct segmentation steps: parsing regular expressions into syntax trees, converting syntax trees to finite state machines, optimizing the FSMs, and generating machine code. This segmentation allows each step to be independently optimized and processed in parallel where possible, improving overall conversion efficiency and throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The compiler performs preliminary actions by pre-processing regular expressions into syntax trees and pre-optimizing finite state machines before generating the final machine code. This preliminary optimization of automata includes minimizing states and transitions ahead of time, so that the actual pattern matching execution is faster and more efficient.
2Productivity
If regular expressions are converted directly to machine code without optimization, then the conversion process is simpler, but the performance of pattern matching is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary optimization of finite state machines by minimizing states and transitions before generating machine code. This pre-optimization includes converting non-deterministic finite automata to deterministic ones, eliminating unreachable states, and optimizing transition paths, which significantly improves pattern matching performance while the compiler handles these optimizations automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or simple conversion mechanisms with an automated compiler system that uses sophisticated algorithms for optimizing finite state machines. The compiler automatically performs complex operations like determinization, minimization, and machine code generation, substituting manual conversion processes with automated mechanical systems that achieve both high performance and reasonable conversion time.
3Reliability
If a detailed and optimized conversion process is implemented, then pattern matching efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compiler is designed as a universal system that handles multiple tasks: parsing regular expressions, building syntax trees, converting to finite state machines, optimizing FSMs, and generating machine code for FPGAs. This multi-functional compiler consolidates what would otherwise require separate tools and processes, improving reliability while managing complexity through integration rather than proliferation of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate representations (syntax trees and finite state machines) as mediators between the input regular expressions and the final machine code. These intermediate forms allow for systematic optimization and transformation steps, enabling efficient pattern matching while keeping the overall system organized and manageable through well-defined transformation rules at each stage.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and methods for a compiler are described. One such compiler converts source code into an automaton comprising states and transitions between the states, wherein the states in the automaton include a special purpose state that corresponds to a special purpose hardware element. The compiler converts the automaton into a netlist, and places and routes the netlist to provide machine code for configuring a target device.