Buses for Pattern-Recognition Processors

Abstract

Disclosed are methods and systems, among which is a system that includes a pattern-recognition processor, a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to the pattern-recognition processor via a pattern-recognition bus, and memory coupled to the CPU via a memory bus. In some embodiments, the pattern-recognition bus and the memory bus form about the same number of connections to the pattern-recognition processor and the memory, respectively.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of Invention[0002]Embodiments of the invention relate generally to electronic devices and, more specifically, in certain embodiments, to buses for pattern-recognition processors.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]In the field of computing, pattern recognition tasks are increasingly challenging. Ever larger volumes of data are transmitted between computers, and the number of patterns that users wish to identify is increasing. For example, spam or malware are often detected by searching for patterns in a data stream, e.g., particular phrases or pieces of code. The number of patterns increases with the variety of spam and malware, as new patterns may be implemented to search for new variants. Searching a data stream for each of these patterns can form a computing bottleneck. Often, as the data stream is received, it is searched for each pattern, one at a time. The delay before the system is ready to search the next portion of the data stream increases wit...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In the field of computing, pattern recognition tasks are increasingly challenging.

Searching a data stream for each of these patterns can form a computing bottleneck.

The delay before the system is ready to search the next portion of the data stream increases with the number of patterns.

Thus, pattern recognition may slow the receipt of data.

Implementation of this hardware, however, is complicated by the lack of a widely accepted communication protocol between dedicated pattern-recognition hardware and central processing units (CPUs).

Attaining familiarity with even one communication protocol may take months or years of work in the field of computer design.

Using a new protocol to communicate with pattern-recognition hardware may add to the cost of implementing that hardware.

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