OS Instruction Conversion for Legacy Processor Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Previous-generation processors cannot execute new instructions supported by subsequent-generation processors, leading to unknown instruction exceptions and termination of processes, preventing applications or operating systems with new instructions from executing on older processors.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that involves an operating system executing a conversion program to determine if an unknown instruction is a new instruction, and if so, converts it into one or more old instructions for execution, allowing new instructions to be executed on previous-generation processors without modifying the hardware architecture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If previous-generation processors are used to maintain hardware architecture stability, then hardware reliability is improved, but the ability to execute new instructions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware architecture stabilityVSAvoidinstruction execution capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a conversion program as an intermediary layer between the old processor and new instructions. This conversion program intercepts new instructions, converts them into equivalent old instructions, and executes them on the previous-generation processor, thereby enabling backward compatibility without modifying the hardware architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If new instructions are added to subsequent-generation processors to enhance functionality, then instruction set versatility is improved, but compatibility with previous-generation processors deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstruction set functionalityVSAvoidbackward compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conversion program creates a copy or equivalent representation of new instructions in terms of old instructions. By translating the semantics and operations of new instructions into their old instruction counterparts, the system preserves the functionality of new instructions while maintaining compatibility with older hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If hardware architecture is modified to support new instructions, then instruction execution capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenew instruction supportVSAvoidprocessor architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/hardware approach of modifying processor architecture with a software-based conversion program. Instead of physically changing the processor to support new instructions, the system uses software translation to achieve the same effect, thereby avoiding hardware complexity increases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11995440B2Method and system for executing new instructions

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 VIA ALLIANCE SEMICON CO LTD

AI summary

A method for executing new instructions is provided. The method is used in a processor and includes: receiving an instruction; when the received instruction is an unknown instruction, executing a conversion program by an operating system, wherein the conversion program executes the following steps: determining whether the received instruction is a new instruction; converting the received instruction into at least one old instruction when the received instruction is a new instruction; and executing the at least one old instruction.