Microprocessor with programmable instruction trap for deimplemen

Details Microprocessor with programmable instruction trap for deimplemen Microprocessor with programmable instruction trap for deimplemen

1997-10-09

1999-12-21

Lall, Parshotam S.

395591, G06F 900

Patent

active

060060301

ABSTRACT:
A microprocessor includes a programmable instruction trap that can be used to deimplement instructions that lead to erroneous results. Upon discovery of a logic design defect, a microprocessor manufacturer can distribute an updated exception handler and a patch for a boot sequence. Upon power up, the boot sequence programs instructions to be deimplemented into a trap list. Each received instruction (issued by an application program, for example) not matching any listed instruction is executed in due course. When it matches a listed deimplemented instruction, the received instruction is trapped: it is not executed but is stored in a dedicated register. An exception handler is called that can examine the trapped instruction and substitute a suitable routine. If the trapped instruction is conditionally deimplemented and the problematic conditions do not pertain, the exception handler can reissue the instruction after temporarily deactivating the trapping function. Once the exception handler is done, the interrupted application program can resume.

REFERENCES:
patent: 5226122 (1993-07-01), Thayer
patent: 5381530 (1995-01-01), Thayer
patent: 5475852 (1995-12-01), Yoshida et al.
patent: 5479616 (1995-12-01), Garibay et al.
patent: 5481685 (1996-01-01), Nguyen et al.
patent: 5632028 (1997-05-01), Thusoo et al.
VY86C060 Architectural Overview, VLSI Technology, San Jose, Jan., 1994, pp. 6-10.
"ARM FPA10 Data Sheet", ARM, Limited, Cambridge, England., 1993, pp. 16-17.
Flynn, Laurie, "Intel Facing a General Fear of Its Pentium Chip", New York Times, Dec. 19, 1994 (copy downloaded from America Online, Inc.) no page numbers.
ARM70DM Data Sheet: Chapter 9: Debug Support Hardware, ARM Limited, Cambridge, England, Jul. 1993, pp. 105-109.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Microprocessor with programmable instruction trap for deimplemen does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Microprocessor with programmable instruction trap for deimplemen, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Microprocessor with programmable instruction trap for deimplemen will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-514179