Hint Instruction for Data Processing Control Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data processing apparatuses face limitations in defining data processing operations due to the large number of instructions required in their instruction set, especially when instructions are specified within a limited number of bits, constraining the programmer's ability to perform operations concisely.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a hint instruction that generates performance modifying control signals, allowing the data processing apparatus to operate in a modified procedure without changing the data processing results, thereby modifying the manner of operation such as efficiency, power consumption, and latency, without extending the instruction set.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the instruction set is extended to define more data processing operations, then the versatility of the data processing apparatus is improved, but the device complexity and instruction space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
A hint instruction is introduced as an intermediary between the programmer and the data processing apparatus. This hint instruction does not directly perform data processing operations but instead modifies the behavior of subsequent instructions by asserting performance modifying control signals. This allows the apparatus to adapt its operation without requiring additional instructions in the instruction set, thus maintaining instruction set simplicity while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The hint instruction changes the operational parameters of the data processing apparatus by asserting performance modifying control signals. These control signals modify how subsequent instructions are executed (e.g., changing execution procedure, timing, or resource allocation) without changing the fundamental instruction set. This allows the same instruction to behave differently based on the asserted hints, effectively increasing versatility without increasing instruction set complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of instructions in the instruction set is increased to cover more operations, then the adaptability is improved, but the instruction space limitation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The hint instruction serves multiple functions: it can assert different performance modifying control signals depending on the specific hint type, and it can affect multiple subsequent instructions. This multi-functionality allows a single hint instruction format to cover various performance modification needs without requiring separate instructions for each case, thus preserving instruction space while enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hint instruction acts as a mediator that translates programmer intent for performance modification into control signals that affect subsequent instructions. This intermediary mechanism allows the apparatus to perform additional data processing operations without requiring additional space in the instruction set, as the hint instruction reuses existing instruction space while enabling extended functionality through control signal assertion.
3Productivity
If performance modifying control signals are asserted to modify operating procedure, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The hint instruction serves as an intermediary that simplifies the generation of performance modifying control signals. Instead of requiring complex control logic to determine when and how to assert control signals, the hint instruction explicitly provides this information to the control circuitry. This intermediary mechanism improves productivity by enabling performance optimization while keeping the control signal generation logic relatively simple and structured.
Solution Approach 2:
The hint instruction is executed before the sequence of data processing instructions it affects. This preliminary action allows the control circuitry to assert performance modifying control signals in advance, configuring the data processing apparatus for optimized execution of subsequent instructions. This preliminary configuration improves productivity by preparing the apparatus ahead of time while maintaining clear and manageable control signal generation logic.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of operating a data processing apparatus are provided. The data processing circuitry is responsive to a hint instruction to then assert at least one performance modifying control signal, when subsequently generating control signals for other data processing instructions. This causes the data processing functional hardware which performs the data processing operations defined by the data processing instructions to operate in a modified manner, although the data processing results produced do not change in dependence on whether the at least one performance modifying control signal is asserted.