Token-based serialisation of instructions in a multiprocessor system
First Claim
1. Device to manage a token for the serialisation of instructions which are to be processed serially in a multiprocessor system, characterised in that a processor can only execute one of the instructions which are to be processed serially if it is in possession of a token, and the device to manage the token features the following states:
- a first state, in which the token is not assigned to any of the processors, and the token can be assigned to a processor which requests the token;
a second state, in which the token is assigned to one of the processors, and the token cannot be assigned to a processor which requests the token; and
a third state, in which the token is not assigned to any of the processors, and the token cannot be assigned to a processor which requests the token.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A process is disclosed to serialize instructions that are to be processed serially in a multiprocessor system, with the use of a token, where the token can be assigned on request to one of the processors, which thereupon has the right to execute the command. If the command consists of dristibuted tasks, the token remains blocked until the last dependent task belonging to the command has also been executed. It is only then that the token can be assigned to another instruction. Moreover, a device is described to manage this token, which features three states: a first state, in which the token is available, a second state, in which the token is assigned to one of the processors, and a third state, in which the token is blocked, because dependent tasks still have to be carried out. Moreover, a circuit is disclosed with which the token principle that is introduced can be implemented in a simple manner. The token is only available if none of the processors i is in possession of the token and if no dependent task is pending at any of the processors. The OR chaining of signals to form a signal C which is set if the token is not available represents the basic circuitry with which the serialisation of commands consisting of distributed tasks is carried out. The invention is applied particularly in the case of commands such as IPTE (invalidate page-table entry) and SSKE (set storage key extended), which modify the address translation tables in the memory that are used in common by all processors.
263 Citations
24 Claims
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1. Device to manage a token for the serialisation of instructions which are to be processed serially in a multiprocessor system, characterised in that a processor can only execute one of the instructions which are to be processed serially if it is in possession of a token, and the device to manage the token features the following states:
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a first state, in which the token is not assigned to any of the processors, and the token can be assigned to a processor which requests the token; a second state, in which the token is assigned to one of the processors, and the token cannot be assigned to a processor which requests the token; and a third state, in which the token is not assigned to any of the processors, and the token cannot be assigned to a processor which requests the token. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. Process to serialise instructions which are to be processed serially in a multiprocessor system,
in which the execution of one of the instructions that are to be processed serially comprises the execution of a first task on an initiating processor, in which the initiating processor can only execute the first task if it is in possession of a token, and in which the token, if it is available, can be assigned to precisely one of the processors, which comprises the following steps: -
request for the token by the initiating processor; assignment of the token to the initiating processor, if the token is available; execution of the instruction that is to be processed serially; replacement of the token after the completion of the first task of the instruction that is to be processed serially, whereby the token does not necessarily have to become available to other processors; establishment of the availability of the token after the completion of the instruction that is to be processed serially. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification