Intel corporation (20240111656). DEVICE, METHOD, AND SYSTEM TO DETERMINE A COUNT OF RETIRED PREFETCH INSTRUCTIONS simplified abstract

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DEVICE, METHOD, AND SYSTEM TO DETERMINE A COUNT OF RETIRED PREFETCH INSTRUCTIONS

Organization Name

intel corporation

Inventor(s)

Ahmad Yasin of Haifa (IL)

Anton Hanna of Nof Hagalil (IL)

Yuval Alon of Haifa (IL)

Amandeep Kaur of Ropar (IN)

DEVICE, METHOD, AND SYSTEM TO DETERMINE A COUNT OF RETIRED PREFETCH INSTRUCTIONS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240111656 titled 'DEVICE, METHOD, AND SYSTEM TO DETERMINE A COUNT OF RETIRED PREFETCH INSTRUCTIONS

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes techniques and mechanisms for a processor to determine the count of retired prefetch instructions. The processor includes a performance monitoring unit (PMU) that monitors the execution of an instruction sequence by a core of the processor. The PMU detects the retirement of a prefetch instruction and updates a count of retired prefetch instructions. It also distinguishes between prefetch and non-prefetch instructions to prevent updating the count incorrectly.

  • Performance monitoring unit (PMU) monitors instruction execution
  • Detects retirement of prefetch instructions
  • Updates count of retired prefetch instructions
  • Distinguishes between prefetch and non-prefetch instructions
  • Prevents incorrect updating of the count

Potential Applications

The technology can be applied in:

  • Processor design and optimization
  • Performance monitoring and analysis tools
  • Power efficiency improvements in processors

Problems Solved

The technology addresses the following issues:

  • Accurate counting of retired prefetch instructions
  • Preventing incorrect count updates
  • Enhancing performance monitoring capabilities

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include:

  • Improved accuracy in tracking retired prefetch instructions
  • Enhanced performance analysis and optimization
  • Efficient power management in processors

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology can be utilized in various commercial applications such as:

  • Data centers
  • Cloud computing servers
  • High-performance computing systems

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art related to this technology is the use of performance monitoring units in processors to track instruction execution and retirement. However, the specific mechanism for distinguishing between prefetch and non-prefetch instructions may be novel in this patent application.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology impact overall processor performance?

The article does not provide information on the potential impact of this technology on the overall performance of the processor. It would be interesting to know if the additional monitoring and counting mechanisms have any effect on the processor's speed or efficiency.

Are there any potential security implications of implementing this technology?

The article does not discuss any security implications of implementing these techniques in a processor. It would be important to consider if there are any vulnerabilities or risks associated with the increased monitoring and tracking of instruction retirements.


Original Abstract Submitted

techniques and mechanisms for circuitry of a processor to determine a count of prefetch instructions which have been retired, or are designated for retirement. in an embodiment, a performance monitoring unit (pmu) monitors the execution of an instruction sequence by a core of said processor. the pmu detects the retirement of a first instruction, and further makes a first determination that the instruction is of a prefetch instruction type. based on the first determination, counter circuitry of the processor updates a count of one or more instruction retirements, wherein each such retired instruction is of the prefetch instruction type. the pmu further makes a second determination that another retired second instruction is of a non-prefetch instruction type. in another embodiment, the counter circuitry prevents any updating of that same count based on the second determination.