Processor Execution Unit Wait Signal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In real-time embedded applications, the execution of complex instructions that require multiple cycles can degrade performance due to conventional interrupt recognition at instruction boundaries, leading to substantial delays and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A processor architecture that includes execution units capable of suspending operations based on wait signals, allowing for the execution of complex instructions to be interrupted and resumed efficiently, while maintaining wait signal parameters across interruptions, thereby improving overall performance by controlling the operation of various processor components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If complex instructions requiring multiple cycles are executed, then processing capability is improved, but interrupt response time deteriorates due to conventional interrupt recognition at instruction boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interrupt recognition mechanism from instruction boundary constraints. Execution units are enabled to recognize and respond to interrupts at any point during the execution of a complex instruction, rather than waiting for instruction boundaries. This segmentation allows interrupts to be handled at finer time granularities, improving real-time response without compromising complex instruction execution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control over execution unit operation through wait signals. Execution units can dynamically suspend or resume execution based on wait signals generated during complex instruction execution. This dynamic behavior allows the system to pause execution when interrupts need attention while maintaining the ability to execute complex multi-cycle instructions, resolving the contradiction between sustained processing capability and timely interrupt response.
2Reliability
If execution units are suspended for interrupt handling, then interrupt response is improved, but overall instruction execution throughput deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic context saving and restoration mechanisms. When an execution unit receives a wait signal to suspend execution, the system automatically saves the necessary execution context and restores it upon resumption, without requiring manual intervention or complex external control. This self-service capability minimizes the overhead of suspension and resumption, maintaining higher throughput while ensuring reliable interrupt handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of execution units through wait signals that control suspension and resumption. By dynamically adjusting execution parameters (suspend/resume states) based on interrupt conditions, the system can optimize between interrupt response reliability and instruction throughput. The wait signal mechanism allows flexible parameter control that adapts to real-time requirements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If wait signals are used to control execution units, then power consumption is reduced by managing resource access, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing wait signal mechanisms that serve multiple functions: controlling execution unit suspension/resumption, managing power consumption, and coordinating interrupt handling. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate dedicated control mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving power management benefits through wait signal-based execution control.
4Measurement precision
If execution units maintain wait signal parameters across interruptions, then execution resumption accuracy is improved, but information storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential wait signal parameters that are needed for accurate execution resumption, rather than storing complete execution contexts. By identifying and storing only the critical parameters (such as wait signal state and execution point), the system achieves high resumption accuracy while minimizing information storage requirements. This selective extraction approach balances precision needs with storage constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A processor includes a processor core. The processor core includes a first execution unit and a second execution unit. The first execution unit is configured to 1) execute a complex instruction that requires multiple instruction cycles to execute; 2) generate a wait signal that when asserted suspends execution of instructions by the second execution unit for at least a portion of the execution of the complex instruction; and 3) maintain information defining parameters of the wait signal generation across interruption of the complex instruction by execution of a different instruction in the first execution unit.