Software methods in a gpu
AssigneeNVIDIA Corporation
InventorsJerome F. Duluk, JR., John Christopher Cook, Fred Gruner, Gregory Scott Palmer
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Abstract
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for executing a software method within a graphics processing unit (GPU) that minimizes the number of clock cycles during which the graphics engine is idled. The function of the software method is performed by a firmware method that is executed by a processor within the GPU. The firmware method is executed to access and optionally update the state stored in the GPU. Unlike execution of a conventional software method, execution of the firmware method does not require an exchange of information between a CPU and the GPU. Therefore, the CPU is not interrupted and throughput of the CPU is not reduced.
Claims20
A method for executing software methods, comprising:
- receiving, by a front end unit of a graphics processing unit (GPU), a firmware method that is configured to perform a function of a software method;
- issuing an interrupt by the front end unit to a processor within the GPU that is configured to execute the firmware method without exchanging information with a central processing unit that is separate from the GPU;
- executing the firmware method;
- and
- clearing the interrupt by the processor.
A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, execute a software method, by performing the steps of:
- receiving, by a front end unit of a graphics processing unit (GPU), a firmware method that is configured to perform a function of a software method;
- issuing an interrupt by the front end unit to a processor within the GPU that is configured to execute the firmware method without exchanging information with a central processing unit that is separate from the GPU;
- executing the firmware method;
- and
- clearing the interrupt by the processor.
A system for executing software methods, the system comprising:
- a graphics processing unit (GPU) that is coupled to a central processing unit, the GPU comprising:
- a front end unit configured to
- receive a firmware method that is configured to perform a function of a software method;
- and
- issue an interrupt to a processor that is coupled to the front end unit and is within the GPU;
- and
- the processor configured to execute the firmware method without exchanging information with a central processing unit that is separate from the GPU.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.