Rotator Sign Extension for Load Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of sign extension in computer architectures, such as z/Architecture and Power Architecture, is expensive and inefficient, particularly when loading data from memory into registers, as it involves extending the sign bit to remaining bytes in a register.
Innovation Solution
A computer program product that uses a rotator and decode logic to align data units correctly in a register and replicate the value of a chosen data unit to other positions, enabling efficient sign or zero extension by using a memory rotator to load data from memory into a register and extend the sign bit to remaining bytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional sign extension process is used to load data from memory to register, then data can be loaded with sign extension, but the process is expensive and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the data loading function and sign extension function into a single integrated rotator unit. Instead of separate instructions for loading data and extending sign bits, the rotator performs both operations simultaneously by rotating the loaded data to position the sign bit correctly and replicating it across the register, thereby improving productivity while reducing computational expense through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The rotator unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can load data from memory, perform sign extension, perform zero extension, and handle different data sizes (byte, halfword, word). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for each operation, reducing overall computational expense while maintaining high productivity across various data handling scenarios
2Manufacturing precision
If sign extension is performed by extending sign bit to remaining bytes, then correct signed data representation is achieved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotator implements sign extension by copying the sign bit value to the remaining register positions. Instead of using complex logic circuits to calculate and insert sign bits, the system simply replicates the sign bit across all positions that need extension, achieving precise data alignment through a simple copying operation that reduces device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sign extension mechanisms (such as separate sign extension circuits and multiple control logic units) with a rotational operation. The rotator uses bitwise rotation and replication operations to achieve sign extension, substituting complex mechanical/circuit-based systems with more efficient bitwise operations that reduce device complexity while maintaining precision
Data Source
AI summary
An address and a data size are provided to a rotator. The rotator stores, based on the address and the data size, a data element in a location having a defined number of positions. The data element includes one or more data units and the one or more data units are aligned correctly in one or more positions of the location based on a predefined position in the location to receive a selected data unit of the one or more data units. The rotator replicates a value of a chosen data unit of the one or more data units to one or more other positions of the location.