A Key Insight on Heterogeneity in Computing

Reading a PhD dissertation on parallel computing [link PDF].

"The Cell Broadband Engine is a heterogeneous processor by itself,.."

I've been arguing that today's modern multicore CPUs are heterogeneous processors and some folks at Intel seem to agree. Processors have multiple functional units with differing capabilities, a scheduler, and wide vector units with their own Instruction Set Architecture. Each revision of Intel and AMD x86 processors seem to include a few additional instructions to power some specialized unit such as video processing or floating point.

AndyKerr insight: every modern superscalar processor is a heterogeneous platform by itself, and the extent of heterogeneity is rising.

Fall 2010 Complete

In one week, I represented GT during Micro-43, wrote a paper submitted to GPGPU-4, and completed two extensive meetings with industry sponsors. Winter 2010 will hopefully provide a much-needed reprieve.

Anyone interested in a trip to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum to ride #610 before her FRA boiler certificate expires? I should call up the museum to see if they plan on any steam-ups of ex Southern #630, a splendid 2-8-0 steam locomotive in the final stages of a complete restoration. Chattanooga isn't too far, but we combine trips when we can to make the most of things.

I would like to perform one sailing adventure. Things are cold, to be sure, but the winds should be stellar. If we can keep the 420 from capsizing, I'm sure we'll have one hell of a time. Robust constitutions only need apply.

A range visit is scheduled for this Friday.

Back to Christmas shopping...