Abstract: Distributed shared memory (DSMEM) comprises blocks of memory that are distributed or scattered across a processor (such as a GPU). Threads executing on a processing core local to one memory block are able to access a memory block local to a different processing core. In one embodiment, shared access to these DSMEM allocations distributed across a collection of processing cores is implemented by communications between the processing cores. Such distributed shared memory provides very low latency memory access for processing cores located in proximity to the memory blocks, and also provides a way for more distant processing cores to also access the memory blocks in a manner and using interconnects that do not interfere with the processing cores' access to main or global memory such as hacked by an L2 cache.

Abstract: This specification describes a programmatic multicast technique enabling one thread (for example, in a cooperative group array (CGA) on a GPU) to request data on behalf of one or more other threads (for example, executing on respective processor cores of the GPU). The multicast is supported by tracking circuitry that interfaces between multicast requests received from processor cores and the available memory. The multicast is designed to reduce cache (for example, layer 2 cache) bandwidth utilization enabling strong scaling and smaller tile sizes.

Abstract: A new level(s) of hierarchy—Cooperate Group Arrays (CGAs)—and an associated new hardware-based work distribution/execution model is described. A CGA is a grid of thread blocks (also referred to as cooperative thread arrays (CTAs)). CGAs provide co-scheduling, e.g., control over where CTAs are placed/executed in a processor (such as a GPU), relative to the memory required by an application and relative to each other. Hardware support for such CGAs guarantees concurrency and enables applications to see more data locality, reduced latency, and better synchronization between all the threads in tightly cooperating collections of CTAs programmably distributed across different (e.g., hierarchical) hardware domains or partitions.

Abstract: A unified memory controller (UMC) is disclosed. The UMC may be used in a digital television (DTV) receiver. The UMC allows the DTV receiver to use a unified memory. The UMC accepts memory requests from various clients, and determines which requests should receive priority access to the unified memory.

Abstract: A unified memory controller (UMC) is disclosed. The UMC may be used in a digital television (DTV) receiver. The UMC allows the DTV receiver to use a unified memory. The UMC accepts memory requests from various clients, and determines which requests should receive priority access to the unified memory.