Unified Instruction Decoder for Multi-Set Data Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data processing systems supporting multiple instruction sets face increased hardware complexity and overhead, limiting flexibility and efficiency due to the need for separate decoding and processing logic for each instruction set.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a common subset of instructions with storage order compensated encoding across multiple instruction sets, allowing the same data processing logic to perform operations independently of the instruction set mode, thereby reducing hardware requirements and enabling interoperability of co-processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate decoding logic is provided for each instruction set, then each instruction set can be decoded accurately, but the hardware complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal instruction decoder that can decode both first instruction set and second instruction set instructions using the same hardware logic. The decoder is designed to handle multiple instruction formats and encoding schemes through a unified decoding pathway, eliminating the need for separate decoder units for each instruction set while maintaining accurate decoding for both sets.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruction sets are supported, then flexibility in program representation is improved, but the amount of hardware needed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the decoding functionality for first instruction set and second instruction set into a single integrated decoder unit. By combining the decoding logic and sharing common hardware resources, the system maintains support for multiple instruction sets with different encoding formats while reducing the total amount of hardware required compared to having separate decoder units for each instruction set.
3Productivity
If different encoding schemes are used for different instruction sets, then each instruction set can be optimized, but the decoding logic becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes within a unified decoding framework to accommodate different instruction set encodings. The decoder dynamically adjusts its interpretation of instruction bits based on identified encoding parameters, allowing optimized instruction representations for both first and second instruction sets while maintaining a single, manageable decoding logic structure rather than requiring separate complex decoders for each encoding scheme.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing apparatus 2 is provided which supports two instruction sets. These two instruction sets share a common subset of instructions including at least one class of instructions, such as all of the coprocessor instructions. The common subset of instructions have the same instruction encoding once any differences due to storage order within memory have been compensated for e.g. endianness.