VLIW Instruction Packet Merging for Execution Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex conditional instructions in computing devices require additional processing cycles and increased power consumption due to longer instruction sequences and the need for initializing predicate registers, which complicates the execution of logical operations.
Innovation Solution
An instruction packet encapsulating multiple instructions with a common destination, allowing for simultaneous execution of compare instructions and logical operations within a single VLIW packet, eliminating the need for separate initialization of predicate registers and reducing execution cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If complex conditional instructions are executed using traditional sequential methods, then correctness is maintained, but execution time increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple instructions targeting the same destination into a single VLIW packet. Specifically, it merges a compare instruction and a logical operation instruction (AND or OR) into one packet, allowing them to execute in parallel within the same clock cycle. This eliminates the need for sequential execution and reduces both execution time and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary grouping of instructions during code compilation or scheduling, organizing compare instructions and logical operations into pre-formed VLIW packets. This preliminary organization enables the processor to execute complex conditional logic without requiring runtime initialization of predicate registers, thereby reducing execution cycles and power consumption.
2Productivity
If multiple instructions with common destination are executed sequentially, then simplicity of execution is maintained, but code size increases and execution time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple instructions that target the same destination into a single VLIW packet. By combining a compare instruction and a logical operation instruction into one packet, the patent reduces the total number of instruction cycles while maintaining execution correctness. The merging is achieved through compiler or scheduler organization rather than hardware modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The VLIW packet structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it executes compare operations, performs logical operations (AND/OR), and manages predicate registers all within a single instruction packet. This multi-functionality allows complex conditional logic to be handled without requiring separate instruction sequences for each operation.
3Reliability
If predicate registers are initialized for each execution, then correctness of logical operations is maintained, but execution cycles increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary organization of instructions into VLIW packets that include both compare and logical operation instructions. This preliminary structuring ensures that predicate registers are properly managed within the packet execution context, eliminating the need for separate initialization cycles before each logical operation. The correctness is maintained through the structured design of the VLIW packet format.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores an instruction packet (e.g., a VLIW instruction packet) including a first predicate independent instruction and a second predicate independent instruction. Each of the predicate independent instructions has the same destination.