Vector Instruction Dependency Bypass Without Register File Expansion

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processors face challenges in efficiently performing vector operations due to the need for additional hardware elements, which increase power consumption, size, and complexity, while also requiring extra gates that consume more power and generate heat, limiting integration and performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of mixed-source dependency control using content-addressable memory (CAM) to manage dependencies between different types of instructions, such as vector and integer or floating-point instructions, without expanding register read ports, thereby reducing the need for additional hardware resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional hardware elements are added to support vector operations, then vector operation capability is improved, but power consumption and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevector operation capabilityVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The issue queue entries are designed to handle multiple instruction types (vector and non-vector) using the same data structures and control logic. The dependency tracking mechanism works universally for both vector and scalar instructions, eliminating the need for separate hardware paths and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining vector operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the dependency tracking for vector instructions with the existing scalar instruction infrastructure. By combining these functions into a unified issue queue and dependency management system, the patent reduces hardware complexity and power consumption while maintaining full vector operation support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional hardware elements are added to support vector operations, then vector operation capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevector operation capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The issue queue entries are designed to handle multiple instruction types (vector and non-vector) using the same data structures and control logic. The dependency tracking mechanism works universally for both vector and scalar instructions, eliminating the need for separate hardware paths and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining vector operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the dependency tracking for vector instructions with the existing scalar instruction infrastructure. By combining these functions into a unified issue queue and dependency management system, the patent reduces hardware complexity and power consumption while maintaining full vector operation support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If register file resources are expanded to handle vector operations, then vector operation performance is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevector operation performanceVSAvoidregister file complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces temporary registers as intermediary storage elements that are managed through the issue queue rather than expanding the main register file. These temporary registers act as mediators between the execution units and the permanent register file, allowing vector operations to proceed without increasing register file complexity. The issue queue tracks dependencies to and from these temporary registers, maintaining performance while avoiding hardware expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12517734B2Mixed-sourced dependency control for vector instructions

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 AKEANA INC

AI summary

Disclosed techniques enable processors that are capable of performing a wide range of vector operations. A processor can support multiple types of instructions. The instructions can include one or more operands, and the one or more operands can include different data types. An A-type instruction can have dependencies on a B-type instruction. An A-type instruction includes a vector instruction. A B-type instruction includes an integer instruction or a floating-point instruction. A datapath is provided to enable intermediate results from a B-type instruction to be supplied to the A-type instruction on which it depends, without utilizing register file resources, such as general-purpose register (GPR) register resources. Vector instruction performance is thereby enabled without the additional resources used with GPR register access.