Decode Modifier Instruction for Scalar to Vector Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Data processing systems face challenges in efficiently executing vector operations using fixed-length instructions, as they require dedicated vector instructions, leading to encoding space constraints and increased complexity, especially when supporting both scalar and vector operations.

Innovation Solution

A data processing apparatus and method that employs a decode modifier instruction to alter the decoding of subsequent scalar instructions, mapping scalar operands to vector operands and determining vector operations based on scalar operations, thereby supporting a wide variety of vector operations without the need for dedicated vector instructions, alleviating encoding space pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated vector instructions are provided for each scalar instruction variant, then vector operation support is improved, but encoding space is consumed and instruction set complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevector operation supportVSAvoidinstruction set complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling scalar instructions to serve dual purposes: they can execute scalar operations directly or be transformed into vector operations through the decode modifier instruction. This multi-functionality allows a single scalar instruction to replace multiple dedicated vector instructions, reducing instruction set complexity while maintaining comprehensive vector operation support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The decode modifier instruction acts as an intermediary between scalar instructions and vector operations. When inserted before a scalar instruction, it transforms the subsequent scalar instruction into a vector operation without requiring dedicated vector instructions. This mediator approach enables vector functionality while keeping the instruction set simple and encoding space efficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If variable length instructions are provided to accommodate complex vector instructions, then encoding space flexibility is improved, but decoding complexity and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstruction encoding flexibilityVSAvoiddecoding complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains homogeneity by using fixed-length instructions throughout the system. By transforming vector operations into scalar instruction formats through the decode modifier, all instructions remain uniform in length, simplifying decoding logic and avoiding the complexity of variable-length instruction handling while preserving encoding flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating complex variable-length vector instructions to accommodate vector operations, the patent inverts the approach by using fixed-length scalar instructions that can be transformed into vector operations. This reversal simplifies the instruction encoding and decoding process while maintaining the ability to support diverse vector operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate vector instruction set is provided, then vector operation capability is improved, but instruction set size and encoding requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevector operation capabilityVSAvoidinstruction set size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making scalar instructions capable of performing both scalar and vector operations. Through the decode modifier instruction, the same scalar instruction can execute different operations depending on whether it follows a decode modifier, eliminating the need for separate vector instructions and reducing the overall instruction set size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges scalar and vector instruction sets by allowing scalar instructions to be transformed into vector operations. This combination consolidates what would traditionally require separate instruction sets into a unified scalar instruction set with transformation capability, reducing the total number of instructions needed while maintaining full vector operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9081564B2Converting scalar operation to specific type of vector operation using modifier instruction

Publication Date: 2015.07.14 ARM LTD

AI summary

A data processing apparatus having processing circuitry, a scalar register bank and a vector register bank, including decoding circuitry arranged to decode a sequence of instructions to generate control signals for the processing circuitry. The decoding circuitry is responsive to a decode modifier instruction within the sequence of instructions to alter decoding of a subsequent scalar instruction in the sequence by mapping at least one scalar operand specified by the subsequent scalar instruction to at least one vector operand in the vector register bank, and, in dependence on the scalar operation specified by the subsequent scalar instruction, determining a vector operation to be performed on at least a subset of the operand elements within the at least the one vector operand. Such an approach enables a wide variety of vector operations to be specified without the need to individually define separate vector instructions for those vector operations.