Parallel data processing apparatus
AssigneeClearspeed Technology Limited
InventorsDave Stuttard, Dave Williams, Eamon O'Dea, Gordon Faulds, John Rhoades, Ken Cameron, Phil Atkin, Paul Winser, Russell David, Ray McConnell, Tim Day, Trey Greer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A data processing apparatus includes a plurality of processing elements arranged in a single instruction multiple data array. The apparatus is operable to process multiple instructions streams in parallel with one another.
Claims13
A controller which is operable to control an array of processing elements, each of which includes a processing unit and an internal memory unit, the controller comprising:
- a retrieval unit operable to retrieve instructions items for each of a plurality instruction streams, each instruction stream having a plurality of instruction items;
- a combining unit operable to combine the plurality of instruction streams into a serial instruction stream;
- and
- an instruction distributor operable to distribute the serial instruction stream to an array of processing elements.
A thread manager operable to control an array of processing elements, each of which includes a processing unit and an internal memory unit, the thread manager comprising:
- a retrieval unit operable to retrieve instructions items from external memory for each of a plurality threads, each thread being a stream of instruction items;
- a combining unit operable to combine the threads into a serial command stream;
- and
- an instruction distributor operable to distribute selectively the serial command stream to either an array controller which controls data processing of the array of the processing elements, or to a channel controller which controls transfer of data between external memory and internal memory units of the processing elements.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.