Programmable streaming processor with mixed precision instruction execution
US8633936B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 21, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jan 21, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/3887
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The disclosure relates to a programmable streaming processor that is capable of executing mixed-precision (e.g., full-precision, half-precision) instructions using different execution units. The various execution units are each capable of using graphics data to execute instructions at a particular precision level. An exemplary programmable shader processor includes a controller and multiple execution units. The controller is configured to receive an instruction for execution and to receive an indication of a data precision for execution of the instruction. The controller is also configured to receive a separate conversion instruction that, when executed, converts graphics data associated with the instruction to the indicated data precision. When operable, the controller selects one of the execution units based on the indicated data precision. The controller then causes the selected execution unit to execute the instruction with the indicated data precision using the graphics data associated with the instruction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.