Multiplier-based processor-in-memory architectures for image and graphics processing
AssigneesUniversity of Rochester, The Research Foundation of State University of New York
InventorsRong Lin, Martin Margala
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Abstract
A Procesor-In-Memory (PIM) includes a digital accelerator for image and graphics processing. The digital accelerator is based on an ALU having multipliers for processing combinations of bits smaller than those in the input data (e.g., 4×4 adders if the input data are 8-bit numbers). The ALU implements various arithmetic algorithms for addition, multiplication, and other operations. A secondary processing logic includes adders in series and parallel to permit vector operations as well as operations on longer scalars. A self-repairing ALU is also disclosed.
Claims17
A computational random access memory comprising:
- a memory comprising N columns, N being an integer;
- and
- an arithmetic logic unit, in communication with the N columns in the memory, the arithmetic logic unit comprising:
- M multipliers, m being an integer divisible into N, each of the m multipliers being configured to multiply two N/M-bit numbers;
- and
- an adder stage, in communication with the M multipliers to receive outputs of the M multipliers, for forming and outputting calculation results in accordance with the outputs of the M multipliers.
A method for performing a calculation on two N-bit numbers, the method comprising:
- (a) providing M multipliers, M being an integer divisible into N, each of the M multipliers being configured to multiply two N/M-bit numbers;
- (b) providing an adder stage, in communication with the M multipliers to receive outputs of the M multipliers;
- (c) dividing each of the N-bit numbers into M combinations of N/M bits;
- (d) performing multiplications involving the M combinations of N/M bits in the M multipliers to provide outputs;
- and
- (e) forming and outputting, in the adder stage, calculation results in accordance with the outputs of the M multipliers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.