Software control techniques for graphics hardware that supports logical slots and reservation of graphics hardware based on a priority threshold

Abstract

Disclosed embodiments relate to software control of graphics hardware that supports logical slots. In some embodiments, a GPU includes circuitry that implements a plurality of logical slots and a set of graphics processor sub-units that each implement multiple distributed hardware slots. Control circuitry may determine mappings between logical slots and distributed hardware slots for different sets of graphics work. Various mapping aspects may be software-controlled. For example, software may specify one or more of the following: priority information for a set of graphics work, to retain the mapping after completion of the work, a distribution rule, a target group of sub-units, a sub-unit mask, a scheduling policy, to reclaim hardware slots from another logical slot, etc. Software may also query status of the work.