Two-Stage Data Type Converter Using an Intermediate Representation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional data type conversion methods in artificial intelligence chips suffer from low efficiency, high computation loads, and poor scalability, leading to increased circuit complexity and power consumption, especially when multiple data types are involved.
Innovation Solution
A converter with two stages: a first stage to convert data into an intermediate result based on descriptive information, and a second stage to convert the intermediate result into the desired data type, reducing circuit complexity and power consumption by using an intermediate representation common to all data types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional data type conversion methods are used in artificial intelligence chips, then the conversion function can be implemented, but the computation efficiency is low and the computation power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data type conversion process into two distinct stages: a first conversion stage that converts source data to an intermediate representation, and a second conversion stage that converts the intermediate representation to the target data type. This segmentation allows the system to handle different data type conversions through a standardized two-stage process, improving computation efficiency and reducing power consumption by avoiding redundant conversion operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate representation as a mediator between the source data type and the target data type. This intermediate representation serves as a common format that both conversion stages can work with, enabling efficient data type conversions without requiring direct complex conversion logic for every possible source-target pair, thereby reducing computation power consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple data type conversion functions are added to the processor core, then the data type conversion capability is improved, but the area of the computation unit increases multiple times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal two-stage conversion architecture that can handle multiple data type conversions through the same computational units. The first conversion stage converts various source data types to an intermediate representation, and the second conversion stage converts the intermediate representation to various target data types. This multi-functional design allows the processor core to support diverse data type conversions without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each conversion type, thus preventing the computation unit area from increasing multiple times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to achieve different data type conversions by modifying the conversion parameters in the two-stage process rather than changing the underlying computational logic. By adjusting parameters such as precision, data format, and conversion rules, the same computational units can adapt to support multiple data type conversion functions, maintaining a constant computation unit area while improving adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If direct conversion circuits are designed for every data type pair, then the conversion accuracy is maintained, but the circuit design becomes complex and production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex direct conversion problem into two simpler conversion stages, each handling a specific part of the conversion process. This segmentation reduces circuit design complexity by breaking down the M*N conversion paths into M conversions to intermediate format plus N conversions from intermediate format, making the circuit design more manageable while maintaining conversion accuracy through standardized processing stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate representation acts as a mediator that simplifies the conversion process between different data types. By routing all conversions through this standardized intermediate format, the patent reduces circuit design complexity while ensuring conversion accuracy through consistent and verified conversion logic in each stage, rather than requiring complex direct conversion circuits for every possible data type pair.
Data Source
AI summary
A converter for data type conversion includes a first conversion stage and a second conversion stage. The first conversion stage is configured to receive first type data and first descriptive information about the first type data, and according to the first descriptive information, convert the first type data into an intermediate result. The second conversion stage is configured to receive second descriptive information about second type data, and according to the second descriptive information, convert the intermediate result into the second type data. A method for data type conversion includes: receiving first type data and first descriptive information about the first type data, and according to the first descriptive information, converting the first type data into an intermediate result; and receiving second descriptive information about second type data, and according to the second descriptive information, converting the intermediate result into the second type data.