Conditional Branch Instruction Aggregating Multiple Condition Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for executing conditional branch statements are limited to checking one condition at a time, leading to expensive execution cycles and increased program size due to the need for long sequences of compare and branch instructions.
Innovation Solution
A new conditional branch instruction (CBI) is introduced that aggregates multiple condition checks, allowing for the evaluation of multiple conditions within a single execution cycle using condition aggregation circuitry and a look-up table to determine the next instruction based on combined condition results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple conditions are checked using sequential compare and branch instructions, then each condition can be evaluated independently, but the number of execution cycles increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sequential condition checks into a single parallel evaluation structure. The condition aggregation circuitry simultaneously evaluates multiple conditions by aggregating their results in one execution cycle, transforming what was previously a sequential process into a parallel one, thereby reducing execution cycles while maintaining evaluation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The condition aggregation circuitry serves as a universal component that can handle multiple different condition types and combinations. It aggregates results from various compare operations regardless of their specific nature, providing a multi-functional solution that works for different condition evaluation scenarios without requiring separate specialized circuits for each condition type
2Adaptability or versatility
If sequential compare and branch instructions are used for multi-condition branches, then compatibility with existing instruction sets is maintained, but program size and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the condition aggregation function into a dedicated hardware circuit component that operates independently from the main instruction execution flow. This segmentation allows the complex multi-condition evaluation to be handled by specialized hardware rather than requiring lengthy instruction sequences, reducing program size while maintaining compatibility with existing instruction sets
Solution Approach 2:
The condition aggregation circuitry acts as an intermediary between the sequential instruction fetch/decode stages and the final branch decision. It receives condition results from previous compare operations and aggregates them into a unified decision signal, serving as a mediating layer that reduces the need for lengthy instruction sequences while maintaining compatibility with existing architecture
3Device complexity
If one condition is checked at a time using traditional techniques, then implementation complexity is kept low, but the time required to evaluate multiple conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple condition evaluation operations into a single parallel execution cycle using the condition aggregation circuitry. This combines what would traditionally require multiple sequential steps into one unified operation, significantly reducing evaluation time while the modular circuit design keeps implementation complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The condition aggregation circuitry is pre-configured with the logic required to evaluate multiple conditions in parallel. The circuit structure is prepared in advance to handle different condition combinations, eliminating the need for complex runtime decision-making about evaluation order and reducing overall evaluation time while maintaining relatively simple implementation
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the conditional execution of program code. In an example embodiment, a system including instruction fetch circuitry, decoder circuitry, and condition aggregation circuitry is provided. The instruction fetch circuitry is configured to fetch a conditional branch instruction (CBI) from memory which identifies multiple register locations and a condition aggregation operation. The condition aggregation operation is representative of an instruction which identifies multiple conditions to be checked. The instruction fetch circuitry provides the CBI to the decoder circuitry. In response, the decoder circuitry is configured to cause the condition aggregation circuitry to perform the multiple conditions checks with respect to values stored in the multiple register locations.