Information Technology
Computer Accelerator System Boosts Efficiency
WARF: P140164US01
Inventors: Karthikeyan Sankaralingam, Chen-Han Ho, Sung Kim
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing a specialized access processor that works with a hardware accelerator for faster computer processing.
Overview
Hardware accelerators improve computer performance by allowing the main processor to off-load certain tasks, for example, processing floating-point or graphics calculations. The accelerator is designed to run some tasks faster than the main processor while omitting other capabilities.
In current practice, accelerators are tightly integrated with a main out-of-order (OOO) processor. The processor feeds data at a high rate to the accelerator, which then executes the tasks on demand. Using the main processor in this way consumes substantial power and limits the energy efficiency that otherwise would be gained from acceleration.
In current practice, accelerators are tightly integrated with a main out-of-order (OOO) processor. The processor feeds data at a high rate to the accelerator, which then executes the tasks on demand. Using the main processor in this way consumes substantial power and limits the energy efficiency that otherwise would be gained from acceleration.
The Invention
UW–Madison researchers have developed a specialized memory access processor that takes over the job of feeding data to the accelerator. It is placed between the main processor and the accelerator.
The circuit is specialized for a narrow task, in this case performing memory access and address calculations. It is as fast as the main OOO processor yet more efficient. The main OOO processor – free from memory access duties – may switch to an energy conserving sleep mode until the accelerator is finished, or may move on to other tasks.
The circuit is specialized for a narrow task, in this case performing memory access and address calculations. It is as fast as the main OOO processor yet more efficient. The main OOO processor – free from memory access duties – may switch to an energy conserving sleep mode until the accelerator is finished, or may move on to other tasks.
Applications
- Chips used in desktops, laptops and data center servers
Key Benefits
- Takes burden off main processor
- Improves efficiency and performance
- Helps save power
- Speed of memory access is on par with traditional OOO processor systems.
- Works with a wide variety of standard hardware accelerators
- Can be used with a versatile, high speed data flow fabric architecture
Stage of Development
Simulations have been run using industry standard benchmarks. Reductions in overall power consumption may reach 70 percent.
Additional Information
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For current licensing status, please contact Jeanine Burmania at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9846