Portable LDPC Decoding on Multicores Using OpenCL

Portable LDPC Decoding on Multicores Using OpenCL:
Abstract:

This article proposes to address, in a tutorial style, the benefits of using Open Computing Language (OpenCL) as a quick way to allow programmers to express and exploit parallelism in signal processing algorithms, such as those used in error-correcting code systems. In particular, we will show how multiplatform kernels can be developed straightforwardly using OpenCL to perform computationally intensive low-density parity-check (LDPC) decoding, targeting them to run on a large set of worldwide disseminated multicore architectures, such as x86 general- purpose multicore central processing units (CPUs) and graphics processing units (GPUs). Moreover, devices with different architectures can be orchestrated to cooperatively execute these signal processing applications programmed in OpenCL. Experimental evaluation of the parallel kernels programmed with the OpenCL framework shows that high-performance can be achieved for distinct parallel computing architectures with low programming effort.
The complete source code developed and instructions for compiling and executing the program are available at http://www.co.it.pt/ldpcopencl for signal processing programmers who wish to engage with more advanced features supported by OpenCL.

(G. Falcao, V. Silva, L. Sousa and J. Andrade: “Portable LDPC Decoding on Multicores Using OpenCL [Applications Corner]“, IEEE Signal Processing Magazine 29:4(81-109), July 2012. [DOI])


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