Variable Bitwidth Video Processor Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional video processors are limited by a fixed bitwidth parameter, restricting their ability to adjust precision and frequency, leading to tradeoffs between higher bitwidth for precision at lower speeds and lower bitwidth for higher speeds, which limits their application range and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A method for designing a video processor with a variable and programmable bitwidth parameter, achieved by selecting operations with linear propagation delay, determining a desired tradeoff curve, grouping operations, tuning critical paths through pipeline insertion and redundant calculations, and optimizing non-critical operations to achieve flexible performance versus precision tradeoffs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the bitwidth is increased to achieve higher precision, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the speed decreases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the bitwidth parameter variable and programmable rather than fixed. The video processor can dynamically adjust its operating bitwidth based on application requirements, transitioning between different precision levels. This allows the system to achieve high precision when needed while maintaining the capability to operate at lower bitwidths for higher speed applications, thereby resolving the contradiction between precision and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by enabling the bitwidth parameter to be programmably adjusted during operation. Instead of being hard-coded, the bitwidth can be changed to match different application requirements. This parameter flexibility allows the processor to optimize between precision and speed tradeoffs by selecting appropriate bitwidth values, directly addressing the contradiction between manufacturing precision and operating speed.
2Manufacturing precision
If the bitwidth is increased to achieve higher precision, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a video processor that can perform multiple functions across different applications through programmable bitwidth adjustment. A single processor design can support various bitwidth configurations (e.g., 8-bit, 10-bit, 12-bit, 16-bit) to accommodate different multimedia applications, eliminating the need for multiple specialized processors. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining high precision capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics by implementing a variable bitwidth architecture that can adapt to different application requirements. The processor dynamically reconfigures its internal parameters to match the desired operating conditions, allowing a single device to replace multiple fixed-bitwidth processors. This dynamic adaptability reduces overall device complexity and manufacturing cost while preserving the ability to achieve high precision when needed.
3Device complexity
If the bitwidth is fixed to a single value, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the fixed bitwidth design into a variable, programmable bitwidth architecture. This allows the processor to adapt to different applications by changing its operating parameters dynamically. The dynamic reconfigurability significantly enhances versatility and application range while maintaining relatively simple base architecture, resolving the contradiction between design simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by making the bitwidth parameter programmable rather than fixed. This enables the same hardware architecture to support multiple applications by adjusting the bitwidth parameter according to specific requirements. The parameter change capability greatly enhances adaptability and versatility without requiring complex redesign, effectively resolving the contradiction between design simplicity and application range.
4Productivity
If the clock frequency is increased to improve productivity, then the productivity is improved, but the manufacturing precision must be maintained at lower bitwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling dynamic adjustment of bitwidth based on productivity requirements. When high processing speed is needed, the system can operate at lower bitwidth configurations to achieve higher clock frequencies. When high precision is required, the system can switch to higher bitwidth modes. This dynamic flexibility allows the system to optimize between productivity and precision tradeoffs, resolving the contradiction between productivity and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by making the bitwidth programmable, allowing the system to adjust precision levels according to productivity needs. The parameter change capability enables the processor to select appropriate bitwidth values that optimize the balance between processing speed and precision for each specific application, directly addressing the contradiction between productivity and manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for designing a video processor with a variable and programmable bitwidth parameter. The method comprises selecting logical operations having propagation delay that scales linearly with the bitwidth; determining a desired tradeoff curve; and grouping instances of a logic operation having same properties; for a single instance of each logic operation, matching an actual curve of the logic operation to the desired tradeoff curve, wherein the actual curve is determined by the propagation delay and bitwidth of the logic operation.