Method and apparatus for multi-level buffer thresholds for higher efficiency data transfers
AssigneeAdvanced Micro Devices, Inc.
InventorDavid W. Smith
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A buffer and its associated control mechanism provide multiple threshold levels at which a buffer service request may be initiated. A control mechanism generally includes one or more storage devices for storing at least two buffer threshold values, and a circuit for comparing the level of data in the buffer to each of the threshold values. As the level of data in the buffer becomes equal to or exceeds one of the threshold values, a service request is made. The service requests initiated at the different threshold values may be set at different service priority levels.
Claims40
A buffer in an integrated circuit device, comprising:
- a buffer memory for holding data;
- a first storage device;
- a first comparator coupled to the first storage device;
- a second storage device;
- and
- a second comparator coupled to the second storage device,
- the first storage device being adapted to store a first threshold value and the second storage device being adapted to store a second threshold value,
- the first comparator coupled to receive an input from the first storage device and an input indicative of a level of data in the buffer memory, and provide a first request to service the buffer at a first priority level,
- the second comparator coupled to receive an input from the second storage device and an input indicative of a level of data in the buffer memory, and provide a second request to service the buffer at a second priority level.
A buffer control apparatus, comprising:
- a first storage device adapted to store a first threshold value at which a buffer may be serviced at a first priority level;
- a second storage device adapted to store a second threshold value at which the buffer may be serviced at a second priority level;
- and
- a circuit adapted to receive an input from each of the first and second storage devices and provide a request for buffer service at the first priority level if the buffer is filled to the first threshold value and a request for buffer service at the second priority level if the buffer is filled to the second threshold value.
A control apparatus for a buffer in an integrated circuit device, comprising:
- a storage device adapted to store first and second threshold values;
- and
- a circuit coupled to the storage device and coupled to receive an indication of a quantity of data in the buffer,
- the circuit adapted to provide a first output signal when the quantity of data in the buffer is at least equal to the first threshold value and a second output signal when the quantity of data in the buffer is at least equal to the second threshold value.
A control apparatus for a buffer in an integrated circuit device, comprising:
- a first register adapted to store a first buffer threshold value;
- a second register adapted to store a second buffer threshold value;
- a first comparator circuit coupled to receive a first input from the first register and coupled to receive a second input indicative of a level of data in the buffer, and adapted to provide an output signal when the level of data in the buffer is at least equal to the first threshold value;
- and
- a second comparator circuit coupled to receive a first input from the second register and coupled to receive a second input indicative of a level of data in the buffer, and adapted to provide an output signal when the level of data in the buffer is at least equal to the second threshold value.
A method for generating a buffer service request at multiple buffer thresholds, comprising:
- providing a first signal indicative of a level of data in the buffer;
- generating a first output signal when the level of data in the buffer is at least equal to a first threshold value;
- and
- generating a second output signal when the level of data in the buffer is at least equal to a second threshold value.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.