18054388. Preemption Techniques for Memory-Backed Registers simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)

Preemption Techniques for Memory-Backed Registers

Organization Name

Apple Inc.

Inventor(s)

Benjiman L. Goodman of Austin TX (US)

Yoong Chert Foo of London (GB)

Karl D. Mann of Orlando FL (US)

Terence M. Potter of Austin TX (US)

Frank W. Liljeros of Sanford FL (US)

Jeffrey T. Brady of Orlando FL (US)

Preemption Techniques for Memory-Backed Registers - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18054388 titled 'Preemption Techniques for Memory-Backed Registers

Simplified Explanation

The patent application abstract describes techniques for thread preemption in the context of memory-backed registers. In some embodiments, a memory hierarchy includes cache levels and memory circuits. Execution circuitry operates on operands in architectural registers to execute instructions of threads, with data stored and backed by the memory hierarchy. Control circuitry, in response to a context switch indication for a given thread, flushes and invalidates a set of architectural register data from a cache level and stores memory page information associated with the set of architectural register data.

• Memory-backed registers with cache levels and memory circuits
• Execution circuitry operates on operands in architectural registers
• Control circuitry flushes and invalidates register data on context switch
• Memory page information is stored with architectural register data

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in:

• High-performance computing systems
• Real-time processing applications
• Embedded systems

Problems Solved

This technology helps in:

• Efficient thread preemption
• Minimizing data loss during context switches
• Enhancing overall system performance

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include:

• Improved system responsiveness
• Enhanced multitasking capabilities
• Optimal utilization of memory resources

Potential Commercial Applications

This technology could find commercial applications in:

• Server systems
• Networking equipment
• Industrial automation systems

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be the use of cache memory in computer systems to improve performance by storing frequently accessed data closer to the processor.

How does this technology impact power consumption in comparison to traditional systems?

This article does not address the potential impact of this technology on power consumption. It would be interesting to know if the use of memory-backed registers affects power efficiency in computing systems.

Are there any limitations or constraints in implementing this technology in existing hardware architectures?

The article does not mention any limitations or constraints in implementing this technology. It would be valuable to understand any challenges that may arise when integrating this innovation into current hardware designs.

Original Abstract Submitted

Techniques are disclosed relating to thread preemption in the context of memory-backed registers. In some embodiments, a memory hierarchy includes one or more cache levels and one or more memory circuits. Execution circuitry may operate on operands in architectural registers to execute instructions of threads, where data for the architectural registers is stored and backed by the memory hierarchy. Control circuitry may, in response to a context switch indication for a given thread: flush and invalidate a set of architectural register data from a first cache level and store memory page information (e.g., a page catalog base address) associated with the set of architectural register data.