[llvm-dev] [Proposal][RFC] Epilog loop vectorization

[Mehdi Amini via llvm-dev]

Hi,

Looks interesting!

I’m wondering about the extra cost in code-size and how much it could outweigh the benefit?

What data can you provide on benchmarks (code size and performance)?

Thanks,

— 
Mehdi

> On Feb 22, 2017, at 1:57 AM, Nema, Ashutosh via llvm-dev <llvm-dev at lists.llvm.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi,
>  
> This is a proposal about epilog loop vectorization.
>  
> Currently Loop Vectorizer inserts an epilogue loop for handling loops that don’t have known iteration counts.
>  
> The Loop Vectorizer supports loops with an unknown trip count, unknown trip count may not be a multiple of the vector width, and the vectorizer has to execute the last few iterations as scalar code. It keeps a scalar copy of the loop for the remaining iterations.
>  
> Loop with the large width has a high possibility of executing many scalar iterations.
> i.e. i8 data type with 256bits target register can vectorize with vector width 32, with that maximum trip count possibility for scalar(epilog) loop is 31, which is significant & worth vectorizing.
>  
> Large vector factor has following challenges:
> 1)    Possibility of remainder iteration is substantial.
> 2)    Actual trip count at runtime is substantial but not meeting minimum trip count to execute vector loop.
>  
> These challenges can be addressed by mask instructions, but these instructions are limited and may not be available to all targets.
>  
> By epilog vectorization our aim to vectorize epilog loop where original loop is vectorized with large vector factor and has a high possibility of executing scalar iterations.
>  
> This require following changes:
> 1)    Costing: Preserve all profitable vector factor.
> 2)    Transform: Create an additional vector loop with next profitable vector factor.
>  
> Please refer attached file (BlockLayout.png) for the details about transformed block layout.
>  
> Patch is available at: https://reviews.llvm.org/D30247 <https://reviews.llvm.org/D30247>
>  
> Regards,
> Ashutosh
>  
> <BlockLayout.png>_______________________________________________
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