Vector Decimal Instruction for Multi-Format Validity Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing environments face inefficiencies in identifying and correcting invalid data formats, leading to potential errors and significant downtime, especially in production environments.
Innovation Solution
A single architected instruction is used to perform comprehensive validity testing of source values based on user-defined scenarios, utilizing a set of test controls to specify which digit positions and codes are valid, thereby increasing the speed and accuracy of data validity checking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional multiple instructions and branches are used to perform validity testing, then comprehensive validity checking can be achieved, but processing speed decreases and execution time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple validity testing operations into a single architected instruction (VTD). This single instruction integrates source value retrieval, test control parameter extraction, validity comparison logic, and result generation into one unified operation, eliminating the need for multiple separate instructions and conditional branches while maintaining comprehensive validity checking capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The VTD instruction is designed as a universal multi-functional operation that can test various data formats (packed decimal, zoned decimal, EBCDIC) and perform multiple validity checks (digit position validation, code validation, sign validation) within a single instruction execution, making it adaptable to different testing scenarios without requiring separate specialized instructions
2Reliability
If multiple separate instructions and conditional branches are used for validity testing, then detailed validity checks can be performed, but code complexity and instruction count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate validity testing instructions and their associated conditional branch logic into a single integrated architected instruction. This consolidation reduces the total instruction count and eliminates complex control flow structures while preserving the ability to perform comprehensive validity checks on source values
Solution Approach 2:
The VTD instruction is designed to be self-contained and self-executing, automatically retrieving necessary parameters (source value, test controls) from specified locations, performing all validity comparisons internally, and returning results without requiring external control logic or multiple coordinating instructions, thereby simplifying the overall program structure
3Measurement precision
If validity testing is performed using traditional methods, then data accuracy can be verified, but execution time increases and processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sequential validity testing operations into a single parallel execution unit that can evaluate multiple test control parameters and digit positions simultaneously within one instruction cycle, dramatically reducing the time required compared to traditional sequential methods while maintaining accurate validity determination
Solution Approach 2:
The instruction architecture is designed to pre-fetch and pre-position all necessary operands (source value from memory or register, test control parameters) before instruction execution begins, and to pre-configure the validity testing logic based on the test control values, thereby eliminating setup overhead and enabling immediate execution of the validity check
Data Source
AI summary
An instruction to perform validity testing of a source value is executed. The executing the instruction includes obtaining the source value using at least one field of the instruction and obtaining a plurality of test controls using a field of the instruction. The one or more test controls of the plurality of test controls are used to specify which digit positions of the source value are to be tested for validity and what codes are valid codes for the digit positions specified to be tested. Validity testing of at least a portion of the source value is performed based on the plurality of test controls obtained using the field of the instruction, and the performing the validity testing provides a result. The result is provided for use in further processing.