Mechanism and method for pipeline control in a processor
OwnerMargaret Gearty, Chih-Jui Penginventors
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Abstract
A data processing system including a memory system and a plurality of peripheral components. A processor is coupled to the memory and peripheral components. A plurality of pipeline stages are implemented within the processor where each stage is configured to perform specific operations according to instructions then associated with that stage. A snapshot register is associated with at least some of the pipeline stages where the snapshot register configured to store data describing the state of execution of the instruction then associated with that stage.
Claims23
A data processing system comprising:
- a memory system;
- a plurality of peripheral components;
- a processor coupled to the memory and peripheral components, the processor further comprising:
- a plurality of pipeline stages, each stage configured to perform specific operations according to instructions then associated with that stage;
- and
- a snapshot register associated with at least some of the pipeline stages, the snapshot register configured to store metadata describing the state of execution of the instruction then associated with that stage.
A data processor comprising:
- a plurality of pipeline stages, each stage configured to perform specific operations according to instructions then associated with that stage;
- and
- a snapshot register associated with at least some of the pipeline stages, the snapshot register configured to store metadata describing the state of execution of the instruction then associated with that stage.
A method of operating a data processor comprising:
- providing an execution pipeline having a plurality of stages, each stage having a plurality of operational modes;
- for each stage, storing instruction metadata in a snapshot register, the instruction metadata describing an instruction within the associated stage;
- making the snapshot register contents for each stage visible to a centralized control unit, wherein the centralized control unit controls operation of a number of pipeline stages;
- during operation of one of the pipeline stages, accessing one of the snapshot registers to view the instruction metadata;
- and
- determining the operational mode of the accessing pipeline stage based upon the contents of the snapshot register.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.