Method for conflict detection in parallel processing system
AssigneeTexas Instruments Incorporated
InventorsJimmie D. Childers, Hajime Karasawa
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Abstract
A method of using a computer to assemble source code having a number of sub-instructions on each source code line, such that a processor may execute more than one sub-instruction during a single clock cycle. The computer is used to assign a binary conflict mask to each sub-instruction and to compare these conflict masks to determine whether a conflict exists among the sub-instructions. Additional features of the invention are determining the nature of the conflict and generating an appropriate indication signal to the user.
Claims14
A method for detecting resource conflicts between instructions to be executed in parallel in processing units of a parallel processing device, comprising the steps of:
- assigning a conflict mask representative of shared processing device/unit resources in said processing device required by each of said instructions;
- comparing said conflict masks and determining whether said instructions require the same resource;
- and
- generating a signal if a resource conflict exists between the instructions such that said generating a signal occurs prior to introducing said instructions into said processing device for execution.
A pre-execution method for detecting conflicts in resource requirements in a parallel processing device including an instruction string that includes multiple instructions to be executed in parallel which would otherwise be encountered during execution of said string, comprising:
- (A) creating a conflict mask code table of instructions to be executed in parallel prior to introducing said instructions to said parallel processing device for execution;
- (F) calculating a conflict mask intersection (CMI) value equal to a logical AND of a first location in said table and a second location in said table;
- (G) testing CMI and if CMI is equal to zero then recognizing no conflict;
- (H) determining a conflict type using said conflict mask codes;
- and
- (I) outputting an error message for the determined conflict type.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.