Electrical computers and digital processing systems: processing – Processing control – Instruction modification based on condition
Patent
1997-10-27
1999-12-28
Ellis, Richard L.
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: processing
Processing control
Instruction modification based on condition
712218, G06F 9318
Patent
active
060095121
ABSTRACT:
A method and apparatus for providing predicated instructions in a processor employing out of order execution. In one embodiment, a plurality of decode units are configured to decode a plurality of variable byte length instructions and to provide a plurality of output of signals. The output signals are provided to a plurality of reservation stations coupled to the plurality of decode units within the superscalar microprocessor. Functional units are configured to receive the output signals from the plurality of decode units. The functional units include function execution units coupled to receive signals from the plurality of reservation stations and to provide a function output responsive to the output signals. The functional units further comprise a predication unit configured to determine whether a predetermined condition has occurred and either stop the function output or allow the function output to be transmitted depending on whether the predetermined condition has occurred.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5471593 (1995-11-01), Branigin
Mahlke, Scott A. et al., A Comparison of Full and Partial Predicated Execution Support for ILP Processors, 1995, ACM, pp. 138-149.
Johnson, Richard et al., Analysis Techniques for Predicated Code, 1996, IEEE, pp. 100-113.
Tyson, Gary Scott, The Effects of Predicated Execution on Branch Prediction, 1994, ACM, pp. 196-206.
August, David J. et al., A Framework for Balancing Control Flow and Predication, 1997, IEEE, pp. 92-103.
Kathail et al., HPL Playdoh Architecture Specification: Version 1.0, Hewlett Packard, Computer Systems Laboratory, HPL-93-80, Feb., 1994, pp. 1-48.
Advanced Micro Devices , Inc.
Ellis Richard L.
Kivlin B. Noel
Merkel Lawrence J.
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