Instruction Execution Device Micro-Instruction Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processor architectures face challenges in efficiently processing wider data bits, such as 256 or 512 bits, due to their fixed data bus width, which limits the execution of complex instructions and requires additional micro-instructions, leading to increased execution time and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An instruction execution method and device that translates macro-instructions into multiple micro-instructions, specifically marking them with binding information to allow simultaneous retirement, enabling the processing of wider data without generating additional micro-instructions, thereby reducing execution time and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the processor uses a fixed data bus width (e.g., 128 bits), then the processor architecture remains simple and stable, but it cannot efficiently process wider data (e.g., 256 bits or 512 bits)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments wide data processing into multiple micro-instructions that operate on smaller data widths. For example, a 256-bit macro-instruction is divided into multiple 128-bit micro-instructions that can be executed sequentially or in parallel, allowing the processor to handle wider data without requiring a physically wider data bus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of instruction complexity by distinguishing between macro-instructions (high-level, wide-data operations) and micro-instructions (low-level, narrow-data operations). This allows the processor to maintain a simple fixed-width data bus while supporting variable-width data processing through instruction-level abstraction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional micro-instructions are generated to process wider data, then the processor can handle more data bits, but the execution time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple micro-instructions into a single macro-instruction from the user's perspective. The macro-instruction appears as one atomic operation to the programmer, even though it may be implemented as multiple micro-instructions internally. This reduces the apparent execution time by allowing out-of-order execution and parallel processing of the constituent micro-instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary decoding and preparation of micro-instructions during the macro-instruction fetch and decode stages. By preparing the micro-instruction sequence in advance and storing it in a micro-instruction cache or buffer, the processor can quickly switch to executing pre-prepared micro-instructions without adding significant overhead to the execution time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional micro-instructions are generated to process wider data, then the processor can support more data bits, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments wide data processing into smaller micro-instruction units that can be selectively executed. This allows the processor to avoid generating and executing unnecessary micro-instructions when processing narrower data, thereby reducing dynamic power consumption proportional to the number of instructions executed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the effective data width parameter based on the actual data being processed. By detecting the actual data width required and adjusting the number of micro-instructions generated accordingly, the processor minimizes power consumption by executing only the necessary number of instructions rather than always executing the maximum number required for the widest supported data width.
Data Source
AI summary
An instruction execution method includes the following steps: translating a macro-instruction into a first micro-instruction and a second micro-instruction, and marking first binding information on the first micro-instruction, and marking second binding information on the second micro-instruction; and simultaneously retiring the first micro-instruction and the second micro-instruction according to the first binding information and the second binding information. The first micro-instruction and the second micro-instruction are adjacent to one another in the micro-instruction storage space.