Processor Instruction Concatenation for Execution Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional processors have redundant instruction sets across execution units, leading to inefficient execution of complex instructions that require multiple cycles and additional supporting operations.
Innovation Solution
A processor with multiple execution units that can execute a common set of instructions, including data movement instructions, and concatenate additional instructions with complex instructions based on fields within the instructions, allowing for efficient execution and atomic operation of concatenated instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional processors use separate instruction sets for each execution unit, then each execution unit can operate independently, but the overall instruction set size increases and execution efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified instruction set that can be executed by multiple execution units (integer ALU, floating-point ALU, SIMD unit). Instructions are designed with operation codes that specify the operation type and operands that specify data sources and destinations, allowing any execution unit to execute any instruction type. This multi-functional approach eliminates redundant instruction sets while maintaining independent operation capabilities of each execution unit, directly resolving the contradiction between execution efficiency and instruction set size.
2Reliability
If complex instructions are executed sequentially with multiple supporting operations, then correctness is maintained, but execution time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces instruction concatenation where a complex instruction automatically includes references to required supporting instructions (such as data movement or synchronization operations). The processor identifies and executes these concatenated instructions in an optimized sequence, performing preliminary actions where possible. This approach maintains execution correctness by ensuring all necessary supporting operations are performed while reducing execution time through intelligent instruction sequencing and parallel execution where dependencies allow.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple execution units execute different instruction sets, then specialization is achieved, but resource utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Each execution unit (integer ALU, floating-point ALU, SIMD unit) is designed to execute the complete unified instruction set rather than specialized subsets. The execution units differ in their operational capabilities (integer vs. floating-point vs. vector operations) but can all interpret and execute any instruction type, selecting the appropriate operation based on the instruction opcode. This universal design enables flexible resource allocation and maximizes utilization by allowing any execution unit to handle any instruction type, eliminating idle time and improving overall productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A processor includes a plurality of execution units. At least one of the execution units is configured to determine, based on a field of a first instruction, a number of additional instructions to execute in conjunction with the first instruction and prior to execution of the first instruction