Project Proposal
Design and Simulation of a GPU-Based Parallel Processing Model
1. Introduction
In recent years, Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) have evolved from simple graphics accelerators to
powerful parallel processors capable of handling complex computations efficiently. GPUs excel in tasks that
can be broken down into multiple parallel threads, making them ideal for scientific computations, machine
learning, image processing, and more.
This project aims to design and simulate a simplified GPU-based parallel processing model. The simulation
will demonstrate the architecture of a GPU, focusing on its parallel execution model, memory hierarchy, and
instruction execution. The project will also compare the GPU processing model with traditional CPU
processing in terms of performance and efficiency.
2. Objectives
- To understand the architecture and working principles of modern GPUs.
- To design a simplified GPU model emphasizing parallel execution units (Streaming Multiprocessors).
- To simulate GPU execution of parallel tasks using CUDA-like models or software simulators.
- To analyze memory hierarchy (Global, Shared, Constant, and Local memory) and its impact on
performance.
- To evaluate the performance of the GPU model compared to sequential CPU execution.
3. Scope
- Design of a basic GPU architecture model featuring:
- Multiple Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs)
- SIMD (Single Instruction, Multiple Data) execution model
- Warp Scheduler
- Memory hierarchy implementation (Global Memory, Shared Memory, Registers)
- Simulation of parallel algorithms (e.g., Matrix Multiplication, Vector Addition) on the GPU model.
Project Proposal
- Implementation of synchronization primitives (barriers, atomic operations) within the model.
- Performance evaluation based on execution time, throughput, and efficiency.
- Comparative analysis with CPU execution for the same tasks.
4. Methodology
4.1 Research & Study:
- Study of GPU architectures (NVIDIA CUDA, AMD GCN) and parallel processing principles.
- Study of SIMD/SIMT execution models, warp scheduling, and memory access patterns.
4.2 Design Phase:
- Design block diagram of GPU architecture:
- Control Unit
- SMs (each containing multiple CUDA cores)
- Memory units (Global, Shared, Registers)
- Warp Scheduler
- Instruction set design for parallel execution tasks.
4.3 Implementation Phase:
- Implementation using:
- Software simulation tools: Logisim Evolution, CUDA Emulator, or custom simulation using Python/C++.
- Hardware Description Languages (optional): VHDL/Verilog simulation for the processing model.
4.4 Testing:
- Run parallel algorithms (matrix multiplication, reduction, etc.).
- Measure performance metrics (execution time, resource utilization).
4.5 Evaluation:
- Compare simulated GPU performance to equivalent CPU processing.
- Analyze bottlenecks, memory latency, and thread divergence effects.
Project Proposal
5. Tools & Technologies
- Software:
- Logisim Evolution (for visual design)
- Python/C++ (for custom simulation)
- CUDA Toolkit (for reference and comparison)
- MATLAB (optional, for result analysis)
- Hardware Description (optional advanced step):
- VHDL / Verilog simulation platforms (ModelSim, Xilinx Vivado)
6. Expected Outcomes
- A functional simulation of a GPU-based parallel processing model.
- Successful execution of parallel tasks using the designed model.
- Detailed analysis report covering:
- GPU architectural design
- Execution model (SM, Warp scheduling)
- Performance comparison with CPU model
- Challenges and limitations
- Documentation and presentation of the project findings.
7. Timeline
| Week | Task |
|------|---------------------------------------------------|
| 1-2 | Research on GPU architecture & parallel processing |
| 3-4 | Designing GPU block diagram & execution model |
| 5-6 | Implementation of GPU model simulation |
|7 | Integration of memory hierarchy & synchronization primitives |
|8 | Testing with parallel algorithms |
|9 | Performance evaluation & comparison with CPU model |
Project Proposal
| 10 | Report writing & final presentation preparation |
8. Conclusion
This project will give an in-depth understanding of parallel processing principles, GPU architecture, and
real-world application of parallelism. It not only provides practical exposure to simulation techniques but also
highlights the growing importance of GPU computing in modern computing systems.
9. References
1. NVIDIA CUDA Programming Guide
2. Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach by John L. Hennessy & David A. Patterson
3. Parallel Programming: Techniques and Applications Using Networked Workstations and Parallel
Computers by Barry Wilkinson
