Method and apparatus for thread-based memory access in a multithreaded processor

Abstract

A thread-based memory access technique for a multithreaded processor is disclosed. The multithreaded processor determines a thread identifier associated with a particular processor thread and uses at least a portion of the thread identifier to select a particular portion of associated memory to be accessed by the corresponding processor thread. In an alternative embodiment, the first part of the thread identifier is used to select one of the plurality of multi-bank storage elements in the memory, and the second part of the thread identifier is used to select a multi-bank storage element within the selected one. One of multiple memory banks. The first part may include one or more most significant bits of the thread identifier, while the second part includes one or more least significant bits of the thread identifier. The present invention advantageously reduces memory access time and power consumption while avoiding any stalling of processor threads.

Description

[0001] Related application [0002] The present invention is related to the invention disclosed in the following U.S. patent applications: Attorney Docket No. 1007-6, titled "Multithreaded Processor With Efficient Processing For Convergence Device Applications"; Attorney Docket No. No. 1007-7, titled "Method and Apparatus for Register File Port Reduction in a Multithreaded Processor"; Agent case file No. 1007-8, titled “Token Triggering Method and Apparatus for Token Triggered Multithreading". The above-mentioned application was submitted at the same time, and its content is incorporated here by reference. Technical field [0003] The present invention generally relates to the field of digital data processors, and more particularly relates to memory access technology used in multithreaded processors. Background technique [0004] Memory is an important aspect of processor design. As we all know, processors are often used in conjunction with storage systems that include different l...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0009] An important problem with conventional memory access techniques is that such techniques are often not adequate for use on multi-threaded processors, that is, processors that support the simultaneous execution of several different instruction sequences, or "threads"

For example, conventional memory access techniques often require an excessive number of read and write ports when using multi-threaded processors, which unduly increases power consumption

In addition, such techniques can cause individual processor threads to stall and increase memory access times when used on multi-threaded processors

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