Vector Extract-Merge Instruction for Dependent Beat Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data processing systems face inefficiencies in processing vector instructions where portions of vectors are dependent on one another, leading to suboptimal code density and increased instruction overhead.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a vector extract and merge instruction that allows for flexible micro-architectural implementation by processing beats of vector instructions in parallel or staggered manner, with beat status information tracking progress and enabling varying degrees of overlap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vector instructions process multiple distinct portions in parallel, then code density is improved and instruction overhead is reduced, but processing complexity increases due to dependent portions requiring coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The vector instruction is divided into multiple beats, where each beat processes a distinct portion of the vector. The processing circuitry independently executes each beat while tracking completion status, allowing parallel processing of independent portions while managing dependent portions through status tracking and suppression mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing circuitry dynamically adjusts execution by suppressing completed beats based on beat status information. This dynamic suppression allows the system to automatically coordinate dependent portions without requiring complex static control logic, resolving the contradiction between parallel processing efficiency and processing complexity.
2Reliability
If beat status information is tracked and completed beats are suppressed, then processing accuracy is improved for dependent portions, but device complexity increases due to status tracking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The processing circuitry automatically tracks its own execution progress through beat status information and autonomously suppresses completed beats. This self-service mechanism ensures accurate processing of dependent portions without requiring external control logic, improving reliability while minimizing the complexity overhead through automated bookkeeping.
3Productivity
If vector instructions are executed with overlapping beats, then productivity is enhanced, but energy consumption increases due to simultaneous processing activities
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the execution parameter by allowing overlapping beats to proceed simultaneously, increasing throughput. The beat status tracking mechanism monitors completion and suppresses redundant operations, ensuring that energy is not wasted on reprocessing already completed portions while maintaining high productivity through controlled overlap.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provide an apparatus, method and medium. The apparatus comprises decoder circuitry to generate control signals in response to a vector extract and merge instruction specifying a control parameter, a first vector register, a second vector register, and a destination vector register. The apparatus comprises processing circuitry responsive to the control signals, to perform plural beats of processing, each beat comprising processing corresponding to a portion of at least the first vector register and the destination vector register. The processing, for a Kth beat comprises: extracting bits, specified by the control parameter, from a Kth portion of the first vector register, concatenating the bits with further bits, and storing the result in the Kth portion of the destination register. The further bits are, for a first portion, extracted from a first portion of the second vector register and, otherwise, from a (K−1)th portion of the first vector register.