Switch for graphics processing units
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for improving switching between graphics processing units (GPUs). Some embodiments may include a display system, including a plurality of GPUs, a multiplexer coupled to the plurality of GPUs, a timing controller coupled to the multiplexer, where the timing controller may provide an indication signal to the multiplexer indicative of a period when a first GPU is experiencing a first blanking interval.
1. A method of operating a display system, comprising:
determining whether a first graphics processing unit (GPU) has undergone a horizontal blanking interval (HBI);
incrementing a counter responsive to the determination whether the first GPU has undergone a HBI;
receiving a switch request;
determining whether a second GPU is undergoing a vertical blanking interval (VBI) responsive to receiving the switch request and to the determination whether the first GPU has undergone a HBI; and
calibrating the second GPU responsive to the determination that the second GPU is undergoing a vertical blanking interval.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing an indication to a multiplexer that the first GPU is undergoing a HBI and the second GPU is undergoing a VBI.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein in calibrating the second GPU is dependent upon a value in the counter.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein calibrating the second GPU further comprises offsetting a display image from the second GPU by a value in the counter.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the display system further comprises a chipset, wherein the first GPU is internal to the chipset and the second GPU is external to the chipset.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising maintaining image data from the first GPU while switching from the first GPU to the second GPU.
7. A display system, comprising:
means for determining whether a first graphics processing unit (GPU) has undergone a horizontal blanking interval (HBI);
means for incrementing a counter responsive to the determination that the first GPU has undergone a HBI;
means for receiving a switch request;
means for determining whether a second GPU is undergoing a vertical blanking interval (VBI) responsive to receiving the switch request and to the determination that the first GPU has undergone a HBI; and
means for calibrating the second GPU responsive to the determination that the second GPU is undergoing a VBI.
8. The display system of claim 7 , further comprising means for providing an indication to a multiplexer that the first GPU is undergoing a HBI and the second GPU is undergoing a VBI.
9. The display system of claim 7 , wherein the means for calibrating the second GPU is dependent upon a value in the counter.
10. The display system of claim 7 , wherein the means for calibrating the second GPU includes means for offsetting a display image from the second GPU by a value in the counter.
11. The display system of claim 7 , further comprising means for switching between the first GPU and the second GPU.
12. The display system of claim 11 , wherein the means for switching between the first GPU and the second GPU includes means for maintaining image data from the first GPU.