Vector Combining Circuitry for Faster Parallel Register Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing apparatuses face inefficiencies in performing repetitive vector operations due to reliance on generic processing circuitry, which can significantly impact performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing specialized processing circuitry that responds to a vector combining instruction, allowing for efficient extraction and combining of data elements from multiple source vector registers into destination registers through a sequence of operations, including source and intermediate combining operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If generic processing circuitry is used to perform vector operations, then device complexity is reduced, but processing speed and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The processing circuitry is segmented into specialized functional units including multiple extractors (first extractor, second extractor), combining units (first combining unit, second combining unit), and accumulation units. Each unit handles specific portions of the vector combining operation, enabling parallel processing of multiple data elements simultaneously, thus improving processing speed without requiring a complete redesign of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from scalar processing to vector processing by introducing parallel data paths. Multiple data elements from different source registers are extracted and combined in parallel through dedicated circuitry, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the processing architecture that enables simultaneous operation on multiple data points, thereby improving productivity.
2Productivity
If specialized processing circuitry is implemented for vector combining operations, then processing speed improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The specialized processing circuitry is designed with universal functionality to handle various vector combining operations. The extractors, combining units, and accumulation units can process different types of data elements and support multiple source and destination registers, making the complex circuitry adaptable to diverse computational tasks rather than being dedicated to a single function.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuitry incorporates dynamic control mechanisms where the decode circuitry generates control signals that dynamically configure the operation of extractors and combining units based on the specific vector combining instruction being executed. This dynamic adaptability allows the fixed hardware structure to flexibly handle varying computational requirements, reducing the effective complexity for any given operation.
3Productivity
If multiple source vector registers are combined in parallel, then processing throughput increases, but circuit footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple data element extraction and combining operations are merged into unified functional units. The first and second extractors feed into combined units that simultaneously process data from multiple source registers, reducing the total number of separate circuit components needed. This merging approach maintains high throughput by keeping parallel data paths while consolidating functionality to minimize circuit footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a processing apparatus, method and computer program. The apparatus comprising: decode circuitry to decode instructions; and processing circuitry to apply vector processing operations specified by the instructions. The decode circuitry is configured to, in response to a vector combining instruction specifying a plurality of source vector registers each comprising source data elements in a plurality of data element positions, one or more further source vector registers, and one or more destination registers, cause the processing circuitry to, for each data element position: extract first source data elements from the data element position of each source vector register; extract second source data elements from the one or more further source vector registers; generate a result data element by combining each element of the first source data elements and the second source data elements; and store the result data element to the data element position of the one or more destination registers.