System and method for configuring semiconductor functional circuits
First Claim
1. An integrated circuit comprising:
- a plurality of functional components for performing processing operations, wherein said plurality of functional components are included in a graphics processor;
a distribution component for distributing information to said plurality of functional components; and
a functional component configuration controller for configuring operational characteristics of one or more of said plurality of functional components.
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Abstract
The present invention systems and methods enable configuration of functional components in integrated circuits. A present invention system and method can flexibly change the operational characteristics of functional components in an integrated circuit die based upon a variety of factors. In one embodiment, manufacturing yields, compatibility characteristics, performance requirements, and system health (e.g., the number of components operating properly) are factored into changes to the operational characteristics of functional components. In one exemplary implementation, the changes to operational characteristics of a functional component are coordinated with changes to other functional components. Workflow scheduling and distribution is also adjusted based upon the changes to the operational characteristics of the functional components. For example, a functional component configuration controller changes the operational characteristics settings and provides an indication to a workflow distribution component. The workflow distribution component changes the workflow schedule based upon the operational characteristics settings (e.g., work flow is diverted to or away from functional components).
380 Citations
31 Claims
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1. An integrated circuit comprising:
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a plurality of functional components for performing processing operations, wherein said plurality of functional components are included in a graphics processor; a distribution component for distributing information to said plurality of functional components; and a functional component configuration controller for configuring operational characteristics of one or more of said plurality of functional components. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A functional component configuration process comprising:
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receiving an indication of a functional component configuration alteration trigger event; determining if said indication of said functional component configuration alteration trigger event is valid; directing alteration of a functional component configuration utilizing a processor; and diverting workflow in accordance with said alteration of said functional component configuration. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An integrated circuit comprising:
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a plurality of functional components for performing similar parallel operations; a functional component controller for controlling enablement and disablement of one or more of said plurality of functional components; and a distribution component for distributing information to enabled functional components included in said plurality of functional components and preventing distribution of information to disabled functional components included in said plurality of functional components. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. An integrated circuit comprising:
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a plurality of functional components for performing processing operations; a distribution component for distributing information to said plurality of functional components; a functional component configuration controller for configuring operational characteristics of one or more of said plurality of functional components; and a mask array wherein each mask included in said mask array corresponds to an operational objective and provides an indication of said operational characteristics of said plurality of functional components. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification