Compiler-Based Operand Synchronization in Variable-Latency Pipelines
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Solution Overview
Problem
In pipelined datapaths with varying stage latencies due to different computational operations, synchronizing input operands across stages is challenging, especially in resource-restricted hardware, as using on-chip registers for delay can be costly.
Innovation Solution
A compiler-based approach that maps operations across multiple hardware stages with varying latencies and synchronizes operand consumption using register storage delays to compensate for latency differences, enabling efficient pipelined execution in reconfigurable architectures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If on-chip registers are used to delay operands for synchronization, then input synchronization accuracy is improved, but hardware resource cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compiler performs preliminary analysis of stage latency variations during the compilation phase and pre-calculates the required delay amounts for each operand. This allows the system to prepare synchronization strategies in advance without requiring extensive runtime hardware resources, resolving the contradiction by shifting the computational burden from hardware to software preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a compiler-based intermediary that acts as a mediator between the heterogeneous pipeline stages with varying latencies. The compiler generates retiming instructions and intermediate representations that coordinate operand delivery across stages with different processing speeds, eliminating the need for extensive on-chip register usage while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
2Productivity
If variable latency instructions are supported in pipeline stages, then resource efficiency and throughput are improved, but input operand synchronization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic latency handling where the pipeline stages can operate with variable latencies based on the specific computational operations being performed. The compiler dynamically adjusts the retiming parameters for each instruction based on the actual stage latencies, allowing the system to adapt to varying throughput requirements without complex hardware synchronization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the latency parameters of pipeline stages dynamically based on the computational workload. The compiler analyzes the instruction mix and adjusts the effective latency of each stage through software-controlled timing, allowing variable latency instructions to be supported while maintaining synchronization through parameter adjustment rather than hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The technology disclosed provides a system that comprises a processor with computing units on an integrated circuit substrate. The processor is configured to map a program across multiple hardware stages with each hardware stage executing a corresponding operation of the program at a different stage latency dependent on an operation type and an operand format. The system further comprises a runtime logic that configures the compute units with configuration data. The configuration data causes first and second producer hardware stages in a given compute unit to execute first and second data processing operations and produce first and second outputs at first and second stage latencies, and synchronizes consumption of the first and second outputs by a consumer hardware stage in the given compute unit for execution of a third data processing operation by introducing a register storage delay that compensates for a difference between the first and second stage latencies.