Multi-processor system and method for internal time synchronization and event scheduling of multiple processors

摘要

Embodiments of a multi-processor system and method for synchronization and event scheduling of multiple processing elements are generally described herein. In some embodiments, timing marks are provided to the processing elements and a start-timer command is broadcasted to the processing elements after an initial timing mark. The start-timer command instructs the processing elements to initiate an internal time reference after receipt of a next timing mark. Each of the processing elements maintains a copy of the internal time reference which may be used for synchronized event scheduling.

主权项

1. A multi-processor system comprising:
a plurality of processing elements, each arranged to generate an internal time reference, wherein a first of the processing elements is arranged to: provide to other processing elements of the plurality of processing elements, in response to a go-operational command from a second of the processing elements, a timing-synchronization signal comprising an initial timing mark and timing marks subsequent to the initial timing mark; and broadcast a start-timer command to the other processing elements after the initial timing mark, the start-timer command instructing the other processing elements to initiate their internal time reference upon receipt of a next timing mark of the subsequent timing marks, wherein for synchronous event scheduling, at least one of the processing elements is arranged to provide an event command that includes a time-stamp value for an event to be initiated when the internal time references of participating processing elements simultaneously reach the time-stamp value indicated by the event command.