Power-efficient deep neural network module configured for layer and operation fencing and dependency management
US11100390B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 11, 2018 |
| Grant date | Aug 24, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 25, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D30/50
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A deep neural network (DNN) processor is configured to execute layer descriptors in layer descriptor lists. The descriptors define instructions for performing a forward pass of a DNN by the DNN processor. The layer descriptors can also be utilized to manage the flow of descriptors through the DNN module. For example, layer descriptors can define dependencies upon other descriptors. Descriptors defining a dependency will not execute until the descriptors upon which they are dependent have completed. Layer descriptors can also define a “fence,” or barrier, function that can be used to prevent the processing of upstream layer descriptors until the processing of all downstream layer descriptors is complete. The fence bit guarantees that there are no other layer descriptors in the DNN processing pipeline before the layer descriptor that has the fence to be asserted is processed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.