Conditional Load Instruction Translation in Out-of-Order Microprocessors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing device manufacturers and users face challenges in running both x86 and ARM architecture programs due to the dominance of one architecture over the other, leading to wasted investments and the need for devices that can support multiple instruction sets.
Innovation Solution
A microprocessor with an instruction set architecture that includes a conditional load instruction, translated into microinstructions and executed through an out-of-order execution pipeline, allowing it to run both x86 and ARM architecture programs by efficiently handling conditional instructions and updating registers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a microprocessor supports multiple instruction sets (x86 and ARM), then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor is designed to execute multiple instruction sets (x86 and ARM) using a unified out-of-order execution pipeline. The pipeline includes multiple execution units that can process different instruction types, allowing a single processor to serve multiple architectural purposes without requiring separate dedicated pipelines for each architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an instruction translator as an intermediary component that converts x86 and ARM instructions into a common internal representation for the out-of-order execution pipeline. This translator acts as a mediator between the diverse instruction sets and the unified execution architecture, enabling compatibility without direct complexity in the execution units themselves.
2Speed
If conditional load instructions are implemented with out-of-order execution, then execution speed is improved, but instruction translation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conditional load instruction is segmented into multiple simpler microinstructions that can be processed independently through the out-of-order execution pipeline. This segmentation allows the complex conditional logic to be broken down into manageable steps that fit within the existing execution unit architecture, reducing the burden on the instruction translator.
Solution Approach 2:
The instruction translator performs preliminary translation of conditional load instructions into microinstructions before they enter the execution pipeline. By preparing the instruction sequence in advance and breaking it down into executable microsteps, the system reduces runtime translation complexity while maintaining high execution speed through out-of-order processing.
3Productivity
If software is recompiled for different architectures, then performance optimization is improved, but development time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables software compatibility through instruction set translation rather than recompilation. The instruction translator creates a functional copy of the original software behavior by translating x86 or ARM instructions into equivalents that the out-of-order execution pipeline can execute, eliminating the need for time-consuming recompilation while maintaining performance through optimized execution.
Data Source
AI summary
A microprocessor instruction translator translates a conditional load instruction into at least two microinstructions. An out-of-order execution pipeline executes the microinstructions. To execute a first microinstruction, an execution unit receives source operands from the source registers of a register file and responsively generates a first result using the source operands. To execute a second the microinstruction, an execution unit receives a previous value of the destination register and the first result and responsively reads data from a memory location specified by the first result and provides a second result that is the data if a condition is satisfied and that is the previous destination register value if not. The previous value of the destination register comprises a result produced by execution of a microinstruction that is the most recent in-order previous writer of the destination register with respect to the second microinstruction.