Stream data interface for processing system
AssigneeTelairity Semiconductor, Inc.
InventorRichard Dickson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Techniques are provided for processing data in real-time or near real-time using a processor. The processor passes the real-time input data directly to functional units via a bypass multiplexer without storing the data in memory. The functional units process the input data and provide output data. The output data of the functional units is transmitted outside the processor without being stored in memory. Alternatively, the output data of the functional units can be stored in memory in the processor. Input data that needs to be maintained in the processor for a period of time is stored in memory.
Claims10
A processing system for processing streaming data as well as other data, the system comprising:
- a register file having a write port coupled to receive input data from a first input port and having a read port;
- a multiplexer having a first input terminal coupled to receive streaming input data from an external source through a second input port, wherein the processing system does not store the streaming input data before the streaming input data is provided to the multiplexer, the multiplexer having a second input terminal coupled to the read port, and having an output terminal;
- at least two functional units coupled to receive the streaming first input data from the output terminal of the multiplexer to perform computational operations on the streaming input data, at least one of the functional units providing streaming output data to a second external port of the processing system, the processing system not storing the streaming input data between the first external port and the second external port;
- and
- a feedback connection between the second external port and the write port for returning results to the register file.
A method for processing data using a processor having a first input port coupled to a register file, a second input port for receiving streaming data, a multiplexer coupled to the register file and to the second input port, the processor including a plurality of functional units for processing data coupled to an output port of the multiplexer and to an output port, and including at least one feedback connection between the output port and the register file, the method comprising:
- using the multiplexer to bypass the register file, receiving streaming data at the second input port, and, without storing that streaming data, using at least one of the plurality of functional units to process that streaming data;
- providing non-streaming data to the first input port and storing at least some of that data in the register file;
- transmitting output data from the at least one of the plurality of functional units used to process that streaming data to outside the processor without ever storing the streaming data in the processor;
- and
- providing some data from at least one of the functional units to the register file to be used in subsequent operation of the processor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.