Load Unit Bypassing Alignment for Arithmetic Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer architecture, the latency of memory load and arithmetic instructions in processors is high due to complex operations like alignment and data manipulation, which can lead to increased processing time when these instructions are executed sequentially.
Innovation Solution
A load unit with an alignment circuit and a mathematical operation execution circuit that can bypass alignment for certain instructions, allowing direct data input for mathematical operations, and a combined load-store/mathematical unit that can perform both data loading and arithmetic operations, reducing latency by integrating functions typically handled by separate units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If data alignment and manipulation operations are performed in the load unit, then processing completeness is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the instruction processing by identifying specific instruction types (load instructions versus arithmetic instructions) and routing them through different processing paths within the load unit. Arithmetic instructions bypass the alignment circuitry while load instructions receive full alignment processing, thus segmenting the workflow to minimize unnecessary processing steps for each instruction type.
Solution Approach 2:
The load unit dynamically adjusts its processing behavior based on the instruction type detected. The alignment circuit is conditionally activated or bypassed depending on whether the incoming instruction is a load instruction requiring alignment or an arithmetic instruction that can operate directly on unaligned data. This dynamic adaptation reduces processing time for arithmetic operations while maintaining alignment precision for load operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate load unit and arithmetic unit are used, then functional specialization is improved, but data transfer time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the arithmetic execution capability directly into the load unit, creating a combined structure that can perform both data loading with alignment and arithmetic operations without requiring data to be transferred to a separate arithmetic unit. This integration eliminates the data transfer step while maintaining the functional specialization of each operation type through conditional processing paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The load unit is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both traditional load/store operations with alignment and arithmetic operations. By incorporating an arithmetic logic unit within the load unit structure, the system achieves universal processing capability that adapts to different instruction types, reducing the need for inter-unit data transfer while preserving functional versatility.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment circuit is always active, then data alignment accuracy is improved, but processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment circuit's activation status is dynamically controlled based on the incoming instruction type. For arithmetic instructions, the alignment circuit is bypassed entirely, allowing data to flow directly to the arithmetic logic unit without alignment processing. For load instructions, the alignment circuit is activated to ensure proper data alignment. This dynamic control maintains alignment accuracy when needed while maximizing processing speed when alignment is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the alignment operation from the mandatory processing path and makes it conditional. By providing a bypass route that removes the alignment circuit from the critical path for arithmetic instructions, the design eliminates unnecessary processing steps that would reduce throughput, while preserving alignment capability for instructions that require it.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one general aspect, a load unit may include a load circuit configured to load at least one piece of data from a memory. The load unit may include an alignment circuit configured to align the data to generate an aligned data. The load unit may also include a mathematical operation execution circuit configured to generate a resultant of a predetermined mathematical operation with the at least one piece of data as an operand. Wherein the load unit is configured to, if an active instruction is associated with the predetermined mathematical operation, bypass the alignment circuit and input the piece of data directly to the mathematical operation execution circuit.