Execution Unit for Single-Cycle Shuffle and Shift Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processor architectures require multiple execution units and microoperations to perform shuffle and shift operations efficiently, leading to increased power consumption and latency due to the need for multiple machine cycles and varied control and data path requirements.
Innovation Solution
A single execution unit capable of handling 128-bit operands and multiple instruction widths, utilizing a shuffle unit with multiple levels of selectors and control signals to perform shuffle and shift operations in a single machine cycle through microoperations, allowing for global and local control signal mapping to execute various instructions efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple execution units are used to perform shuffle and shift operations, then operational capability and data processing capacity are improved, but chip area and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges shuffle operations and shift operations into a single execution unit, eliminating the need for separate execution units for each operation type. This consolidation reduces the chip area required while maintaining the capability to perform both shuffle and shift operations efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The execution unit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple types of operations (shuffle, shift, and other data manipulation operations) through a single unit. This multi-functionality approach allows the same hardware resources to be reused for different operations, reducing overall chip area requirements.
2Productivity
If multiple execution units are used to perform shuffle and shift operations, then operational capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining shuffle and shift operations into a single execution unit, the patent reduces the total number of active hardware components, thereby lowering power consumption while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal execution unit performs multiple operations (shuffle, shift, and other data manipulation) using the same hardware resources, eliminating the need for multiple specialized units and reducing overall power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple microoperations and machine cycles are used to perform shuffle operations, then operational flexibility is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The execution unit performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring control signals and data paths before the actual shuffle operation begins. This allows the operation to execute more efficiently in a single machine cycle without requiring multiple sequential microoperations, thereby reducing latency while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control signal mapping that adapts to different operational requirements in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the execution unit to handle various shuffle and shift operations with different data granularities and control requirements within a single machine cycle, reducing latency while maintaining operational flexibility.
4Productivity
If multiple execution units are used for different operations, then operational capability is improved, but control and data path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control and data paths for shuffle and shift operations into a single integrated execution unit. This consolidation reduces the overall complexity by eliminating redundant control signals and data paths that would exist if separate execution units were used for each operation type.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for receiving first and second data operands in a common execution unit and manipulating the operands responsive to an instruction to generate an output according to local control signals of a local controller of the execution unit. Various instruction types such as shuffle and shift operations may be performed in the common execution unit in a single cycle. Other embodiments are described and claimed.