The 'Uniform Heterogeneous Multi-threaded' Processor Architecture

DW Towner, MD May

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)

Abstract

Multi-threaded processor architectures are capable of concurrently executing multiple threads using a shared execution resource. Two of their advantages are their ability to hide latency within a thread, and their high execution efficiency. Unfortunately, single thread performance is often poor. In this paper we present a simple model of a multi-threaded processor, and show how an t occam-like language may be compiled into fine grained threads suitable for executing on this processor. These fine grained threads allow all but the most serial programs to be compiled into multiple threads. Thus, poor single thread performance is avoided by ensuring that sufficient threads are always available, even at the instruction level. We call this technique `uniform heterogeneous multi-threading' (UHM). A compiler implementing UHM has been built, along with a cycle accurate simulator of a UHM processor. We demonstrate that the processor is capable of good performance, whilst being simple to design and build.
Translated title of the contributionThe 'Uniform Heterogeneous Multi-threaded' Processor Architecture
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCommunicating Process Architectures 2001
PublisherIOS Press
Pages103 - 116
Number of pages13
ISBN (Print)9781586032029
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2001

Publication series

NameConcurrent Systems Engineering Series
Volume59
ISSN (Print)1383-7575

Bibliographical note

Editors: Alan Chalmers, Majid Mirmehdi and Henk Muller
ISBN: 158603202X
Publisher: IOS Press
Name and Venue of Conference: Communicating Process Architectures 2001, World Occam and Transputer Group WoTUG-24, Bristol, September

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The 'Uniform Heterogeneous Multi-threaded' Processor Architecture'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this