Virtually padding data structures

Abstract

A virtual padding unit provides a virtual padded data structure (e.g., virtually padded matrix) that provides output values for a padded data structure without storing all of the padding elements in memory. When the virtual padding unit receives a virtual memory address of a location in the virtual padded data structure, the virtual padding unit checks whether the location is a non-padded location in the virtual padded data structure or a padded location in the virtual padded data structure. If the location is a padded location in the virtual padded data structure, the virtual padding unit outputs a padding value rather than a value stored in the virtual padded data structure. If the location is a non-padded location in the virtual padded data structure, a value stored at the location is output.

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