editor's blog
Subscribe Now

Multicore with GPUs

We recently took a look at multicore software automation, and one of the efforts in play was the generation of so-called “recipes” for helping parallelize a program. The idea is that a tool from Vector Fabrics helps you decide how to parallelize a sequential program, and then you get a set of instructions that tell you how to transform your program into a parallel version.

Typically this is done by inserting pthread or OpenMP constructs. But Vector Fabrics recently announced a new twist – albeit one that’s in development, not yet in production. They’re working with Imagination Technologies to include their PowerVR GPUs – in particular, the SGX540 and SGX544MP2 – in a target platform and produce OpenCL recipes.

OpenCL (which stands for Open Computing Language) is a framework that allows writing programs that will execute on heterogeneous multicore platforms. In this case, the platform would have a GPU accelerator on it. OpenCL is typically invoked when there are GPUs in the mix; it’s an open-source, multi-platform equivalent to Nvidia’s proprietary CUDA (although Nvidia also supports OpenCL).

There are three elements involved in doing something like this. The first is modeling the GPU so that the tools can estimate performance of various parallel implementations. According to CEO Mike Beunder, that’s relatively mature. The other two are optimizing the implementations on a GPU and generating the recipes. Their work with Imagination Technologies should help with the optimization, as Mr. Beunder says they have a lot of optimization experience. And getting the recipes out should be complete around the end of the year, plus or minus.

More info in their press release

Leave a Reply

featured blogs
Mar 21, 2023
We explain computational lithography and explore how our partnership with NVIDIA accelerates semiconductor scaling and the chip design flow in the AI age. The post How Synopsys and NVIDIA Are Accelerating Semiconductor Scaling in the AI Age appeared first on New Horizons for...
Mar 20, 2023
Electronic design has evolved over the years to provide methods for optimizing power, space, and energy needs for the most demanding market applications in areas including hyperscale computing, consumer, 5G communications, automotive, mobile, aerospace, industrial, and health...
Mar 10, 2023
A proven guide to enable project managers to successfully take over ongoing projects and get the work done!...

featured video

Level Up Your Knowledge!

Sponsored by Mouser Electronics

Feeling behind in the game? Mouser's newsletter and technical resource subscriptions will ensure that your skills are next level! Set your preferences and customize your subscription to power up your knowledge today!

Click here for more information

featured chalk talk

Bluetooth LE Audio
Bluetooth LE Audio is a prominent component in audio innovation today. In this episode of Chalk Talk, Finn Boetius from Nordic Semiconductor and Amelia Dalton discuss the what, where, and how of Bluetooth LE audio. They take a closer look at Bluetooth LE audio profiles, the architecture of Bluetooth LE audio and how you can get started using Bluetooth LE audio in your next design.
Jan 3, 2023
11,405 views