Towards Error Resilient and Power-Efficient Adaptive Multiprocessor System Using Highly Configurable and Flexible Cross-Layer Framework

A typical multiprocessor system often needs to support a wide spectrum of applications. Today, error resilience and low power consumption are two crucial, but non-complementary requirements and meeting both simultaneously is difficult. Thus, adaptivity is becoming increasingly important feature for modern computing systems. In this regard, we integrate a highly-configurable framework with a set of cross-layer techniques efficient in improving error resilience / power consumption into a multiprocessor system. The framework intelligently interchanges methods such as Adaptive Voltage and Frequency Scaling (AVFS), Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR) and clock-gating while the system is on-line. Additionally, flexibility as an inherent multiprocessor feature enables dynamical adaptation of the system to the current requirements. Putting all together, a balanced level between the two key metrics is achieved. We conduct numerous experiments to show the advantages of the proposed approach. Finally, we use the results to confirm the benefits and the effectiveness of the framework.