Layered Model Concept

Intel(R) Math Kernel Library (Intel(R) MKL) is structured to support multiple compilers and interfaces, different OpenMP* implementations, both serial and multiple threads, and a wide range of processors. Conceptually Intel MKL can be divided into distinct parts to support different interfaces, threading models, and core computations:

Interface Layer
Threading Layer
Computational Layer

You can combine Intel MKL libraries to meet your needs by linking with one library in each part layer-by-layer. Once the interface library is selected, the threading library you select picks up the chosen interface, and the computational library uses interfaces and OpenMP implementation (or non-threaded mode) chosen in the first two layers.

To support threading with different compilers, one more layer is needed, which contains libraries not included in Intel MKL:

Compiler-support run-time libraries (RTL).

The following table provides more details of each layer.

Layer	Description
Interface Layer	Matches compiled code of your application with the threading and/or computational parts of the library. This layer provides: LP64 and ILP64 interfaces. Compatibility with compilers that return function values differently. A mapping between single-precision names and double-precision names for applications using Cray*-style naming (SP2DP interface). SP2DP interface supports Cray-style naming in applications targeted for the Intel 64 architecture and using the ILP64 interface. SP2DP interface provides a mapping between single-precision names (for both real and complex types) in the application and double-precision names in Intel MKL BLAS and LAPACK. Function names are mapped as shown in the following example for BLAS functions `?GEMM`: `SGEMM -> DGEMM DGEMM -> DGEMM CGEMM -> ZGEMM ZGEMM -> ZGEMM` Mind that no changes are made to double-precision names.
Threading Layer	This layer: Provides a way to link threaded Intel MKL with different threading compilers. Enables you to link with a threaded or sequential mode of the library. This layer is compiled for different environments (threaded or sequential) and compilers (from Intel, GNU*, and so on).
Computational Layer	Heart of Intel MKL. This layer has only one library for each combination of architecture and supported OS. The Computational layer accommodates multiple architectures through identification of architecture features and chooses the appropriate binary code at run time.
Compiler Support Run-time Libraries (RTL)	To support threading with Intel compilers, Intel MKL uses the compiler support RTL of the Intel(R) C++ Composer XE or Intel(R) Fortran Composer XE. To thread using third-party threading compilers, use libraries in the Threading layer or an appropriate compatibility library.

Optimization Notice
The Intel® Math Kernel Library (Intel® MKL) contains functions that are more highly optimized for Intel microprocessors than for other microprocessors. While the functions in Intel® MKL offer optimizations for both Intel and Intel-compatible microprocessors, depending on your code and other factors, you will likely get extra performance on Intel microprocessors. While the paragraph above describes the basic optimization approach for Intel® MKL as a whole, the library may or may not be optimized to the same degree for non-Intel microprocessors for optimizations that are not unique to Intel microprocessors. These optimizations include Intel® Streaming SIMD Extensions 2 (Intel® SSE2), Intel® Streaming SIMD Extensions 3 (Intel® SSE3), and Supplemental Streaming SIMD Extensions 3 (Intel® SSSE3) instruction sets and other optimizations. Intel does not guarantee the availability, functionality, or effectiveness of any optimization on microprocessors not manufactured by Intel. Microprocessor-dependent optimizations in this product are intended for use with Intel microprocessors. Intel recommends that you evaluate other library products to determine which best meets your requirements.

Optimization Notice

The Intel® Math Kernel Library (Intel® MKL) contains functions that are more highly optimized for Intel microprocessors than for other microprocessors. While the functions in Intel® MKL offer optimizations for both Intel and Intel-compatible microprocessors, depending on your code and other factors, you will likely get extra performance on Intel microprocessors.

While the paragraph above describes the basic optimization approach for Intel® MKL as a whole, the library may or may not be optimized to the same degree for non-Intel microprocessors for optimizations that are not unique to Intel microprocessors. These optimizations include Intel® Streaming SIMD Extensions 2 (Intel® SSE2), Intel® Streaming SIMD Extensions 3 (Intel® SSE3), and Supplemental Streaming SIMD Extensions 3 (Intel® SSSE3) instruction sets and other optimizations. Intel does not guarantee the availability, functionality, or effectiveness of any optimization on microprocessors not manufactured by Intel. Microprocessor-dependent optimizations in this product are intended for use with Intel microprocessors.

Intel recommends that you evaluate other library products to determine which best meets your requirements.

Layered Model Concept

See Also