Apple inc. (20240095176). Preemption Techniques for Memory-Backed Registers simplified abstract

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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 20240095176 titled 'Preemption Techniques for Memory-Backed Registers

Simplified Explanation

The patent application abstract describes techniques related to 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 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 hierarchy includes cache levels and memory circuits
  • Execution circuitry operates on operands in architectural registers
  • Control circuitry flushes and invalidates architectural register data in response to a context switch
  • Memory page information is stored with the architectural register data

Potential Applications

The technology described in the patent application could be applied in:

  • Multi-threaded processors
  • Real-time systems
  • Embedded systems

Problems Solved

The technology addresses the following problems:

  • Efficient thread preemption
  • Data consistency during context switches

Benefits

The technology offers the following benefits:

  • Improved performance in multi-threaded systems
  • Enhanced data integrity during context switches

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology could find applications in:

  • High-performance computing
  • Networking equipment
  • Industrial automation systems

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be techniques for thread preemption in multi-core processors.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology impact power consumption in comparison to existing solutions?

The patent abstract does not provide information on the power consumption implications of the described techniques. Further details on power efficiency would be valuable for assessing the overall impact of the technology.

Are there any specific programming languages or development environments that are particularly well-suited for implementing this technology?

The abstract does not mention any specific programming languages or development environments. Understanding if certain languages or tools are more compatible with the described techniques could help developers in adopting the technology more effectively.


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.