Task Control Processors for Multiprocessor Task Coordination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiprocessor systems lack flexible control over the initiation of tasks among execution processors, leading to inefficiencies due to fixed hardware flow-control and high central processor cycles, which impairs system performance.
Innovation Solution
Introducing programmable task control processors between execution processors and the communication medium to manage task initiation, allowing for flexible control of task execution and implementation of predetermined task flows among execution processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed hardware flow-control is used to manage task dependencies, then task execution coordination is achieved, but system flexibility and programmability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces task control processors as intermediary components between execution processors and the communication medium. These task control processors implement programmable flow-control logic that mediates task initiation and coordination, providing both reliable task management and system flexibility. The task control processors execute software-defined flow-control policies rather than fixed hardware logic, enabling adaptable coordination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If central processor frequently polls execution processors to manage task dependencies, then flexible task control is achieved, but central processor cycles are consumed excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The task control processors autonomously manage task initiation and flow-control without requiring frequent polling from the central processor. Each task control processor independently monitors task completion status and controls the initiation of dependent tasks based on programmed flow-control logic. This self-service capability maintains flexible task control while eliminating the need for continuous central processor intervention.
3Loss of energy
If central processor responds to interrupts at task completion, then central processor cycles are reduced, but system response time increases due to interrupt handling delays
Solution Approach 1:
The task control processors perform preliminary actions by continuously monitoring task completion conditions and proactively initiating dependent tasks as soon as prerequisites are met, rather than waiting for interrupt-driven responses. This advance preparation eliminates delays associated with interrupt handling while maintaining efficient central processor utilization.
4Adaptability or versatility
If programmable task control processors are introduced to enable flexible task management, then system adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow-control function into separate task control processors that are distributed among the execution processors. Each task control processor handles flow-control for specific task groups, dividing the overall complexity into manageable units. This segmentation allows flexible programmable task management while distributing complexity rather than concentrating it in a single complex controller.
Data Source
AI summary
In a multiprocessor system, a task control processor may be placed in the path connecting each execution processor to a system bus. Such task control processors may detect the completion of a first task on an associated execution processor and, responsively, generate commands to lead to the initiation of a second task on the same, or another, execution processor. Such task completion detection and task initiation by the task control processors removes, from a central processor or the execution processors, the burden of performing such tasks, thereby improving the efficiency of the entire system.