Intel Math Kernel Library Features/Benefits

The Intel Math Kernel Library (MKL) provides a set of levels 1, 2, and 3 of the Basic Linear Algebra Subprograms (BLAS) and fast Fourier transform functions. The BLAS functions have been optimized for the Pentium^® and Pentium Pro processors. First, all BLAS functions have been optimized at the source level. Then, the critical functions have been optimized further using assembly code. In BLAS level 3, the matrix operations have been blocked to optimally use the processor's cache memory.

The next optimization level was performed for Math Kernel Library version 2.0. Since BLAS level 3 routines, performing matrix operations, consume the greater part of the program's execution time, not only have these routines been optimized for cache usage, but they also have been parallelized for use on systems with more than one processor. Performance increases significantly when BLAS level 3 routines are run on up to four processors.

The major features and benefits the Intel Math Kernel Library offers are as follows:

Feature	Benefit
Highly optimized library	Efficient creation and performance of the application programs and optimal product performance and reduced time to market
Interface to popular scientific compilers	Library vendors and other ISVs easily interface to library
Set of widely used functions	Meets wide range of technical computing kernel needs
Standard calls to the routine library	Significantly enhanced portability
Parallelism built into the library	Very demanding performance requirements met with multiprocessing

Content

The Math Kernel Library includes the following sets of operations:

Linear Algebra:	BLAS Level 1, Vector-Vector Operations, I[S,D,C,Z]AMIN
	BLAS Level 2, Vector-Matrix Operations
	BLAS Level 3, Matrix-Matrix Operations
Signal Processing:	Single and double precision FFTs
Linear Algebra Test Functions:	Set of BLAS Level 1, 2, 3 [S,D,C,Z] tests
Signal Processing Test Functions:	Set of FFT tests
Timing Functions:	Set of BLAS Level 1, 2, 3 [S,D,C,Z] and FFT timing tests