From 4de6d9d3ffc6ce1c03bc86bbbbfc23e94779cb59 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Luke Kenneth Casson Leighton Date: Sun, 31 Jul 2022 16:20:46 +0100 Subject: [PATCH] words for nlnet ongoing 2022 grant --- nlnet_2022_ongoing.mdwn | 70 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++--- 1 file changed, 66 insertions(+), 4 deletions(-) diff --git a/nlnet_2022_ongoing.mdwn b/nlnet_2022_ongoing.mdwn index d0ca70126..ce9901f14 100644 --- a/nlnet_2022_ongoing.mdwn +++ b/nlnet_2022_ongoing.mdwn @@ -21,9 +21,16 @@ if you need any HTML to make your point please include this as attachment. ## Abstract: Can you explain the whole project and its expected outcome(s). +Libre-SOC aims to create a Supercomputing-class entirely Libre Hybrid +CPU-VPU-GPU. In proposal 2022-08-51 we aim to begin the long process +of submitting the required Scalable Vector Extension to the OpenPOWER +Foundation: this Grant Request focusses more on continuing to +*implement* that Scalable Vector Extension. + # Have you been involved with projects or organisations relevant to this project before? And if so, can you tell us a bit about your contributions? -A lot! a full list is maintained here +As mentioned in 2022-08-51, +a lot! a full list is maintained here and includes * the world's first FOSSHW IEEE754 Formal Correctness Proofs for fadd, fsub, and fma, with support for FP Formal Proofs added to symbiyosis; @@ -44,20 +51,75 @@ EUR 100,000. # Explain what the requested budget will be used for? +Whilst 2022-08-51 focusses on submitting SVP64 to the OpenPOWER ISA WG, +and satisfying Voting Members of its suitability, we need to proceed +with implementing SVP64 and underlying infrastructure: + +* Dynamic Partitioned SIMD for nmigen +* Completion of IEEE754 FP Formal Correctness Proofs +* Completion of an In-Order Single-Issue core implementing SVP64 +* Addition of the IEEE754 FPU to the Core +* Addition of other ALUs and pipelines (bitmanip, video) + implementing new Draft instructions from 2022-08-051 +* Addition of SMP (multi-core) support +* Running under Verilator and on FPGAs (big ones) which will + need to be investigated, bought, and the Libre-Licensed tools support + potentially added or improved +* Continued documentation, attendance of Conferences online +* Begin investigating Multi-Issue Out-of-Order, continuing + the 6600 Scoreboard research from 2019-02-012 +* Establishment and management of Continuous Integration + infrastructure and upgrading the Libre-SOC IT systems + (currently a single 4GB VM) +* If there is sufficient budget we would like to begin investigating + OpenCAPI (we have access to two Bitmain 250 FPGAs thanks to UOregon) + +several more practical details which help very much to ensure that the +efforts to date, funded very kindly by NLnet, reach fruition as part +of providing EU Citizens with a powerful Libre alternative processor +option. # Compare your own project with existing or historical efforts. -We are developing a Cray-style Scalable Vector ISA Extension for -the Supercomputing-class Power ISA. Similar historic ISAs include +As hinted at in 2022-08-051 +we are basically developing a Cray-style Supercomputer, leveraging +the Supercomputing-class Power ISA +and extending it. Similar historic ISAs include Cray Y/MP, ETA-10, Cyber CDC 205. More recent is the NEC SX Aurora. They are all proprietary systems: Libre-SOC's efforts are entirely FOSSHW. +Whilst the European Processor Initiative is focussing exclusively +on RISC-V, due to the amount of time it takes to assess an ISA's +suitability it has to be said that it is being discovered, very slowly, +that RISC-V is not suited to High-Performance Supercomputing +workloads. The best explanation online is here: + + +Therefore this project is a really important alternative +being based on a much more suitable High-performance +base that has the backing of +IBM for over 25 years, and is now an Open ISA. + + ## What are significant technical challenges you expect to solve during the project, if any? +Processor design is HARD. This is dramatically underestimated. We are +therefore taking a careful and considered incremental approach, using +Software Engineering programming techniques, developing unit tests +at every level and ensuring rigorous documentation and Project coordination +guidelines are adhered to. + +We also make significant use of automation, +compiler technology and abstraction +which would never be considered by Hardware-only VLSI Engineers. +By taking a step back we simplify the approach to one that is +manageable by a much smaller team. + ## Describe the ecosystem of the project, and how you will engage with relevant actors and promote the outcomes? -We are already set to submit presentations through multiple Conferences +As in 2022-08-051 +we are already set to submit presentations through multiple Conferences as has been ongoing since 2019 as can be seen at and will continue to submit press releases to OPF . Our entire development is public so is accessible to all. -- 2.30.2