Processor Execution Units Iterative Instruction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional processors require additional flow control instructions for iterative execution, consuming instruction storage space and lacking autonomy, which limits efficiency and power savings in systems like signal processing.
Innovation Solution
The processor includes execution units that can execute instructions iteratively based on fields within the instructions, allowing for autonomous initiation and termination of repetitive execution without additional flow control instructions, enabling efficient execution of complex instructions and power savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional processors use additional flow control instructions for iterative execution, then iterative execution capability is achieved, but instruction storage space is consumed and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the iterative execution control functionality directly into the execution units, combining what were previously separate flow control instructions with the execution logic. The execution units now contain iteration control logic that autonomously determines whether to repeat instruction execution based on condition codes and iteration counters, eliminating the need for separate flow control instructions and reducing instruction storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The execution units are designed to autonomously control their own iterative execution without external flow control instructions. The iteration control logic within each execution unit self-manages the repetition of instructions by monitoring condition codes and maintaining iteration counters, allowing the execution unit to serve itself in determining when to repeat execution, thereby reducing dependency on additional control instructions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional processors use additional flow control instructions for iterative execution, then iterative execution capability is achieved, but execution efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The execution units autonomously manage iterative execution through integrated iteration control logic, eliminating the overhead of fetching and decoding separate flow control instructions. The execution units self-determine when to repeat instructions based on condition codes and iteration counters, improving execution efficiency by reducing instruction cycle overhead and enabling tighter control loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The iteration control logic enables continuous execution of instructions without interruption by flow control overhead. By embedding the iteration control within the execution unit, the system maintains continuous useful action during iterative execution, avoiding the breaks and overhead associated with separate flow control instructions, thereby improving overall execution efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If execution units autonomously control iterative execution, then power savings are achieved through low-power states, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The execution units autonomously manage their own power states through integrated iteration control logic. The execution units self-determine when to enter low-power states during iterative execution by monitoring iteration counters and condition codes, enabling power savings without requiring external control logic. This self-service approach allows the execution units to independently optimize power consumption while managing the complexity of autonomous control.
Solution Approach 2:
The iteration control logic is distributed locally within each execution unit rather than being centralized in a separate control unit. This local quality approach allows each execution unit to independently manage its own iterative execution and power states, enabling fine-grained power optimization at the execution unit level while reducing the need for complex global control logic.
4Extent of automation
If execution units autonomously control iterative execution, then execution autonomy increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The execution units are designed to self-manage iterative execution through integrated iteration control logic. Each execution unit autonomously determines whether to repeat instructions by monitoring condition codes and maintaining iteration counters, increasing execution autonomy. The self-service capability is achieved by embedding the control logic within the execution unit itself, allowing it to independently make execution decisions without external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The iteration control logic is merged directly into the execution unit structure, combining the execution functionality with the autonomous control capability. This merging eliminates the need for separate control units and flow control instructions, increasing execution autonomy while managing complexity by integrating rather than adding separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A processor includes a plurality of execution units. At least one of the execution units is configured to repeatedly execute a first instruction based on a first field of the first instruction indicating that the first instruction is to be iteratively executed.