Processor State List Instructions for Parallel MSR Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern x86 processors require slow sequences of read and write instructions for system registers, which do not allow parallel processing and are inefficient for tasks like context switching and tracing/debug operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing 'read MSR list' and 'write MSR list' instructions (RDMSRLIST and WRMSRLIST) to efficiently read and write multiple system registers in parallel, allowing software to manage processor state information flexibly and adapt to changing MSR definitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional long sequences of read and write instructions are used for system registers, then software can manage processor state information, but the processing speed is slow and parallel processing is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual read and write instructions into a single combined instruction that can process multiple system registers simultaneously. This consolidation enables parallel processing of register operations while reducing the overall instruction sequence length, directly resolving the contradiction between processing speed and instruction complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the processor state information into multiple可并行处理的register groups, allowing simultaneous access to multiple system registers through a single instruction. This segmentation enables parallel processing operations without requiring long sequences of sequential instructions.
2Productivity
If traditional read and write instruction sequences are used, then system register operations can be performed, but multiple outstanding state reads and writes cannot work in parallel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple read and write operations into a single unified instruction that inherently supports parallel execution of multiple outstanding state accesses. This merging eliminates the need for complex software coordination while enabling parallel processing capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed formats for save and restore state are used, then processor state management is simplified, but flexibility to adapt to changing MSR definitions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic state management structure where the set of processor state information to be saved or restored can be flexibly configured based on changing MSR definitions. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different MSR configurations without being constrained by fixed formats, while the underlying parallel processing mechanism remains efficient.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a processor includes: a front end circuit to fetch and decode a read list instruction, the read list instruction to cause storage to a memory of a software-provided list of processor state information; and an execution circuit coupled to the front end circuit. The execution circuit, in response to the decoded read list instruction, is to read the processor state information stored in the processor and store each datum of the processor state information into an entry of a data table in the memory. Other embodiments are described and claimed.