Effectively improve computer performance by more than 12% ZZG teachers develop technology to improve multi-core CPU routing
Jul 17, 2023
With the rapid evolution of digital technology, daily life is inseparable from 3C products. Given the emphasis on high fluency and image quality, the performance of the central processing unit (CPU) has become a key focus. To address this, Luo Xiwu, an associate professor in the Information Engineering Department of Chung Cheng University, has developed software technology for multi-core processors. This technology uses code to optimize the transmission path of processor cores, resulting in a remarkable improvement of computer performance by 12 to 25%. Furthermore, it is expected to find applications in gaming, cloud servers, and other fields. Recently, this groundbreaking technology was published at the prestigious "Operating System Design and Implementation (OSDI)" International Conference, often referred to as the Oscar of the system industry.
The CPU is a crucial component in every computer, akin to the human brain. Early CPUs were mostly single-core, but as technology advanced, multi-core processors capable of accommodating two or more cores emerged. "These cores work together, similar to a large organization. The key lies in efficient and rapid communication," explained Luo Xiwu. He likens a multi-core processor to an organization where many employees can access common files, but not simultaneously. With a small number of cores, the access sequence may not significantly impact performance. However, as the number of cores increases, without a proper management method, some cores may end up waiting or not transmitting data optimally, leading to reduced efficiency and decreased overall computer performance.
To address this issue, the team developed software that modifies the function library, controlling the order in which each core accesses data with the shortest path. This technology is aptly named "Information Routing on the Processor (RON)."
Experimental tests conducted by the CCU team showed that their technology can improve overall computer performance by approximately 12 to 25%. It is not only beneficial for demanding applications such as high-quality, high-fluency gaming but also holds promise for the field of cloud servers. The CCU team has already applied for technical patents and is actively seeking opportunities for industry-university cooperation. Luo Xiwu also pointed out that the program code of the technology is concise, and porting it presents no difficulties—simply compiling the team's function library with the system ensures smooth implementation.
The CCU engineering team dedicated four years to conducting experiments and running simulator data, submitting their research results multiple times to the OSDI seminar hosted by the internationally renowned Open Source Software Association "USENIX." After facing as many as six rejections, Luo Xiwu shared with a smile that attending this seminar was his research goal. Through relentless revisions and testing, their efforts finally paid off as their results were recently accepted by OSDI.
Chung Cheng University highlighted that the USENIX Association is an organization with a long and prestigious history, even formulating some operating system standards. The OSDI seminar is one of the association's top conferences, known as the "Oscar of the system industry." In the past few years, only two papers from Taiwan have been published in OSDI, making the recognition of the CCU team's achievements truly exceptional.