Domain-Specific Processor Instruction Encoding With Logic Minimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual process of mapping instruction encodings in domain-specific processor architectures is inefficient and challenging due to the large number of instructions and varying operand and opcode requirements, lacking an effective algorithm for encoding.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for automatically encoding an instruction set by grouping instructions and using a logic minimizer to optimize operand and opcode encoding, resulting in area-effective hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual instruction encoding mapping is used, then design flexibility is maintained, but encoding efficiency deteriorates and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by creating an automated encoding system that performs instruction encoding without manual intervention. The computer-readable medium contains instructions that automatically generate encodings by processing instruction definitions, eliminating the need for manual mapping while maintaining design flexibility through programmable encoding rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of instruction encoding with an automated computational system. Instead of manually mapping instructions to encodings, the system uses algorithms executed on a computer-readable medium to automatically generate optimal encodings, substituting human manual labor with automated mechanical computation.
2Productivity
If automated encoding is implemented, then encoding speed is improved, but hardware area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting encoding parameters such as opcode width, operand format, and instruction field allocation based on the specific instruction set requirements. This allows the automated encoder to optimize the balance between encoding speed and hardware area by selecting appropriate parameter configurations for different domain-specific processor architectures.
3Manufacturing precision
If instruction-specific encodings are created, then processing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the instruction encoding process into distinct components: opcode encoding, operand encoding, and control signal generation. Each component is handled separately with dedicated algorithms, allowing precise control over each aspect of encoding while managing overall complexity through modular processing stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by creating an adaptive encoding system that adjusts encoding strategies based on instruction characteristics. The system dynamically selects encoding methods, allocates bit widths, and optimizes operand formats according to the specific requirements of each instruction type, enabling precise encoding while maintaining manageable complexity through context-aware adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach of the present disclosure includes an algorithm to encode an instruction set of a domain-specific processor automatically in an optimal way, and which yields area-effective hardware. Instruction operands and opcodes can be encoded separately or at the same time. Instructions are not encoded one by one but can be encoded in groups, and instructions are grouped automatically. The decoding logic of control signals for each group of instructions, such as register read enable and write enable, is fed to a logic minimizer to obtain an encoding constraint matrix, and the encoding of each instruction in each instruction group is done using an optimal state assignment method.