Apparatus and method for executing an atomic instruction

Details Apparatus and method for executing an atomic instruction Apparatus and method for executing an atomic instruction

1993-02-26

1997-12-23

Bowler, Alyssa H.

395740, 395735, 395379, 395482, G06F 900

Patent

active

057015015

ABSTRACT:
A simple, but effective method and apparatus for employing the same is utilized to ensure the atomicity of atomic instructions. Two bits which are visible in a register are used. The control bit is read and write accessible. The status bit is read only accessible. The control bit and status bit are coupled such that the state of the status bit is updated with the state of the control bit after a predetermined delay. Therefore, code can be written to utilize the feature to execute an atomic instruction. Execution of the atomic instruction is initiated, the control bit is set and an instruction, such as branch if clear, is executed which causes the processor to wait until the status bit is set before executing subsequent instructions. Therefore, the atomic instruction has sufficient time to complete execution before the status bit is set and subsequent instruction are executed.

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