Integrated circuit with DMA module for loading portions of code to a code memory for execution by a host processor that controls a video decoder

a technology of code memory and integrated circuit, which is applied in the direction of program control, computation using denominational number representation, instruments, etc., can solve the problems of increasing the size increasing the cost of the code memory of the processor, and inefficient use of chip real esta

Inactive Publication Date: 2009-04-30
AVAGO TECH WIRELESS IP SINGAPORE PTE
View PDF6 Cites 0 Cited by
  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is about a way to dynamically load processor code into memory using a special instruction. This instruction causes the processor to stop using the code memory and signals a direct memory access (DMA) module to transfer a new code portion to the memory. Once the DMA module completes the transfer, the processor resumes execution of the code. This invention allows for faster and more efficient code execution by improving the speed of code retrieval and execution."

Problems solved by technology

As applications of embedded processors become more complex, the size of code for such applications is increasing, thereby increasing the size of processor code memory.
However, increasing the size of the processor code memory is expensive and is also an inefficient use of chip real estate.
When the code address points to a code that is not in the cache at any particular point of time, a cache miss occurs.
Caching portions of the application code is expensive because special hardware is required for detecting cache misses, for translating cache misses into correct system memory accesses, and for deciding which code to replace.
However, resetting the processor erases all the information stored in the general purpose registers within the processor.
The foregoing is disadvantageous because the swap routine resides in and consumes a significant amount of the code memory.

Method used

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
View more

Image

Smart Image Click on the blue labels to locate them in the text.
Viewing Examples
Smart Image
  • Integrated circuit with DMA module for loading portions of code to a code memory for execution by a host processor that controls a video decoder
  • Integrated circuit with DMA module for loading portions of code to a code memory for execution by a host processor that controls a video decoder
  • Integrated circuit with DMA module for loading portions of code to a code memory for execution by a host processor that controls a video decoder

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0017]Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a flow diagram for executing a program in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The program is a sequence of instructions that can be divided into two or more portions. Initially, the first portion of the program is available for execution.

[0018]Execution of the program is commenced at 105 by reading instructions from the first portion of the program until the next portion of the program (not present in the code memory) is required. When the next portion of the program to be executed is not in the code memory, processor instructs the DMA to fetch that portion and a WAIT instruction is executed at 115 which halts reading of instructions in the program until the another portion of the program is available for execution at 120. When the another portion of the program is available for execution at 120, the processor begins executing the another portion of the program by repeating 105-120.

[0019]Referring now to FIG. 2,...

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

PUM

No PUM Login to View More

Abstract

A system, method, and apparatus for dynamically booting processor code memory with a wait instruction is presented herein. A wait instruction precedes the transfer of a new code portion to the code memory. The wait instruction causes the processor to temporarily cease using the code memory. When the processor ceases using the code memory, the processor signals a direct memory access (DMA) module to transfer a new code portion to the code memory. The DMA module transfers the new code portion to the code memory and transmits a signal to the processor when the transfer is completed. The signal causes the processor to resume. When the processor resumes, the processor begins executing the instructions at the next code address.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 411,632, “Integrated Circuit With DMA Module For Loading Portions of Code To A Code Memory For Execution By A Host Processor That Controls A Video Decoder”, 14144US02, filed Apr. 11, 2003, and claims the priority to U.S. Provisional Application for Patent Ser. No. 60 / 426,583, “Dynamic Booting of Processor Code Memory using Special Wait Instruction”, 14144US01, filed Nov. 15, 2002, by Sane, et. al.FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002][Not Applicable]MICROFICHE / COPYRIGHT REFERENCE[0003][Not Applicable]BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]As applications of embedded processors become more complex, the size of code for such applications is increasing, thereby increasing the size of processor code memory. However, increasing the size of the processor code memory is expensive and is also an inefficient use of chip real estate.[0005]Some processors solve this problem by using a cache...

Claims

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

Application Information

Patent Timeline
no application Login to View More
Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G06F9/30G06F9/38G06F9/445G06F15/177
CPCG06F9/30079G06F9/4401G06F9/3867G06F9/3802
InventorSANE, ANIRUDDHAVAJHALLYA, MANOJ KUMAR
OwnerAVAGO TECH WIRELESS IP SINGAPORE PTE