VMware, Inc.
Intelligent coprocessor state virtualization

Abstract:

Instructions of at least one application are executed via system software, on a hardware computing system that includes at least one processor and a plurality of coprocessors. At least one application program interface (API) is associated with each coprocessor. A state virtualization layer is installed logically between the application and the system software. The state virtualization layer examines an execution stream directed by the at least one application to a first one of the plurality of coprocessors; extracts the state of the first coprocessor; pauses execution of the first coprocessor; and at runtime, dynamically resumes execution of the execution stream, with the extracted state of the first coprocessor, on a second one of the plurality of coprocessors.