Heterogeneous System Architecture

Chapter 2

HSA Overview

P. Rogers    Austin, TX, USA

Abstract

We present an overview of Heterogeneous System Architecture (HSA) and explain its impact on both computer science and the world of computing products, ranging from smart phones to supercomputers. HSA is presented in the context of GPU computing, and we explain how the architecture improves efficiency, latency, and throughput relative to prior implementations. HSA extends well beyond the GPU, and we show how it encompasses other accelerators on the SOC, including DSPs, DMA engines, and crypto engines. We conclude with an introduction to the HSA memory model, the HSA queuing model, the HSAIL, virtual ISA, and HSA context switching, all of which get treated in more detail in later chapters ...