Processor with adaptive multi-shader
US8421794B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 2007 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T15/005
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The disclosure describes an adaptive multi-shader within a processor that uses one or more high-precision arithmetic logic units (ALUs) and low-precision ALUs to process data based on the type of the data. Upon receiving a stream of data, the adaptive multi-shader first determines the type of the data. For example, the adaptive multi-shader may determine whether the data is suitable for high-precision processing or low-precision processing. The adaptive multi-shader then processes the data using the high-precision ALUs when the data is suitable for high-precision processing, and processes the data using the high-precision ALUs and the low-precision ALUs when the data is suitable for low-precision processing. The adaptive multi-shader may substantially reduce power consumption and silicon size of the processor by implementing the low-precision ALUs while maintaining the ability to process data using high-precision processing by implementing the high-precision ALUs.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.