Multi-kernel wavefront scheduler

Abstract

Systems, apparatuses, and methods for implementing a multi-kernel wavefront scheduler are disclosed. A system includes at least a parallel processor coupled to one or more memories, wherein the parallel processor includes a command processor and a plurality of compute units. The command processor launches multiple kernels for execution on the compute units. Each compute unit includes a multi-level scheduler for scheduling wavefronts from multiple kernels for execution on its execution units. A first level scheduler creates scheduling groups by grouping together wavefronts based on the priority of their kernels. Accordingly, wavefronts from kernels with the same priority are grouped together in the same scheduling group by the first level scheduler. Next, the first level scheduler selects, from a plurality of scheduling groups, the highest priority scheduling group for execution. Then, a second level scheduler schedules wavefronts for execution from the scheduling group selected by the first level scheduler.