Value Cache Mechanism for Eliminating Redundant Calculations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing value reuse techniques in graphics processing systems face inefficiencies due to overheads in detecting redundant calculations and memory operations, which can increase electrical power consumption and reduce performance.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of new machine-level instructions for value cache management, a special purpose functional unit for value reuse operations, and dynamic reactivation/deactivation of the value cache mechanism, along with enhanced storage area functionalities to optimize instruction execution and reduce redundant calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If value reuse techniques are implemented to eliminate redundant calculations, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to overhead in detecting redundant operations
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated value cache functional unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the execution unit and memory system. This functional unit includes a value cache storage area that automatically stores and retrieves previously calculated values, eliminating the need for complex detection logic in the main processor while still achieving redundancy elimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The value cache functional unit operates autonomously to detect and eliminate redundant calculations without requiring complex control logic in the main processor. The unit self-manages storing calculated values and comparing them against new calculation requests, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining productivity benefits.
2Use of energy by moving object
If value cache operations are performed to eliminate redundant memory operations, then use of energy is reduced, but device complexity increases due to overhead in managing the cache
Solution Approach 1:
The value cache functional unit serves as an intermediary that handles all cache management operations independently. It includes dedicated circuitry for storing values in the cache memory and comparing new calculations against cached values, thereby reducing the energy burden on the main processor while keeping cache management logic isolated and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the main processor for executing instructions, and a separate value cache functional unit for handling redundancy elimination. This segmentation allows the energy-intensive cache management tasks to be performed by specialized low-power circuitry rather than the main high-power processor.
3Productivity
If a dedicated storage area is added for value caching, then productivity is improved by eliminating redundant operations, but device complexity increases due to additional hardware components
Solution Approach 1:
The value cache functional unit is merged with the existing memory system architecture. The cache storage area is integrated into the graphics processing unit's memory hierarchy, sharing physical infrastructure with other memory components. This merging approach allows productivity improvement through redundancy elimination while minimizing the increase in hardware complexity by utilizing existing system resources.
Data Source
AI summary
The technology described in this application relates generally to computing processing systems and more specifically relates to systems that process data with resource intensive operations. Method and apparatus to lower the power consumption of the resource intensive operations are disclosed. Code analysis methods and run-time apparatus are presented that may eliminate the redundant operations (either complex calculations, memory fetches, or both). The techniques presented in this application are driven by special instructions inserted in the software code of the executing computer programs during the code generation process. Code analysis methods to insert the special instructions into the appropriate points in the source code of the target executing computer programs are presented. Run-time hardware mechanisms to support the potential elimination of redundant operations are also presented. Corresponding methods that might increase the number of eliminated operations by allowing limited errors to occur are also disclosed.