Unified Processor Register Interface for Scalable Feature Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processor interfaces are non-uniform, non-scalable, and non-extendable, leading to complexity and high operational costs due to inconsistent feature enumeration and configuration across different processor generations and types.
Innovation Solution
A unified register interface is implemented in processor interface circuitry and data structures, providing a single interface for all software interactions, including discovery, feature enumeration, and register access, while supporting hierarchical power management and die-disaggregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different interfaces are used for different processor features, then feature-specific control is achieved, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified register interface that serves multiple processor features through a single standardized interface. This interface can selectively access different processor features (such as performance monitoring, power management, and configuration registers) without requiring separate interfaces for each feature, thereby reducing overall interface complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified register interface is segmented into different access modes and permission levels that can be selectively activated. The interface circuitry includes separate control logic paths for different feature types, allowing each feature to be controlled independently through the unified interface structure, thus achieving feature-specific control without multiplying the overall interface count.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different interfaces are used for different processor features, then feature-specific access is enabled, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Software entities interact with all processor features through a single unified register interface using consistent instruction formats and access procedures. The interface translates generic access requests into feature-specific operations internally, eliminating the need for software developers to learn and manage multiple different interface protocols, thereby significantly improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If non-uniform interfaces are used across processor generations, then legacy compatibility is maintained, but scalability and extendability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The unified register interface incorporates dynamic configuration capabilities that allow it to adapt to different processor generations and feature sets. The interface circuitry can be selectively enabled or disabled based on the specific processor implementation, and new features can be added to subsequent processor generations without changing the fundamental interface structure, thus achieving both legacy compatibility and scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface supports parameter changes that allow it to accommodate different processor types and revisions. By changing internal configuration parameters rather than the interface structure itself, the system maintains compatibility across processor generations while enabling scalability to new feature sets and processor architectures.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a processor may include at least one processing engine to execute instructions, and a register interface circuit coupled to the at least one processing engine. The register interface circuit may be to: receive a request to access a register associated with a feature of the processor; determine whether the requested access is authorized based at least in part on an entry of an access structure, the access structure to store a plurality of entries associated with a plurality of features of the processor; and in response to a determination that the requested access is authorized by the access structure, perform the requested access of the register associated with the feature. Other embodiments are described and claimed.