Yukta: Multilayer resource controllers to maximize efficiency

Raghavendra Pradyumna Pothukuchi, Sweta Yamini Pothukuchi, Petros Voulgaris, Josep Torrellas

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Since computers increasingly execute in constrained environments, they are being equipped with controllers for resource management. However, the operation of modern computer systems is structured in multiple layers, such as the hardware, OS, and networking layers—each with its own resources. Managing such a system scalably and portably requires that we have a controller in each layer, and that the different controllers coordinate their operation. In addition, such controllers should not rely on heuristics, but be based on formal control theory. This paper presents a new approach to build coordinated multilayer formal controllers for computers. The approach uses Structured Singular Value (SSV) controllers from Robust Control Theory. Such controllers are especially suited for multilayer computer system control. Indeed, SSV controllers can read signals from other controllers to coordinate multilayer operation. In addition, they allow designers to specify the discrete values allowed in each input, and the desired bounds on output value deviations. Finally, they accept uncertainty guardbands, which incorporate the effects of interference between the controllers. We call this approach Yukta. To assess its effectiveness, we prototype it in an 8-core big.LITTLE board. We build a two-layer SSV controller, and show that it is very effective. Yukta reduces the E×D and the execution time of a set of applications by an average of 50% and 38%, respectively, over advanced heuristic-based coordinated controllers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings - 2018 ACM/IEEE 45th Annual International Symposium on Computer Architecture, ISCA 2018
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages505-518
Number of pages14
ISBN (Electronic)9781538659847
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 19 2018
Event45th ACM/IEEE Annual International Symposium on Computer Architecture, ISCA 2018 - Los Angeles, United States
Duration: Jun 2 2018Jun 6 2018

Publication series

NameProceedings - International Symposium on Computer Architecture
ISSN (Print)1063-6897

Other

Other45th ACM/IEEE Annual International Symposium on Computer Architecture, ISCA 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLos Angeles
Period6/2/186/6/18

Keywords

  • Energy efficiency
  • Multilayer computer control
  • Resource management
  • Robust control theory

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hardware and Architecture

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