Data processor instruction system for grouping instruction with or without a common prefix and data processing system that uses two or more instruction grouping methods

In a data processor having 2n banks of 2n registers, an instruction system comprising:

• a prefix word having a register bank selection field of width n, for selecting one of the 2n banks of said registers;
• and
• an instruction word having a register selection field of width m, for selecting one of the 2m registers in said selected one of said banks.

A system for instructing a data processor adapted to perform operations on operands having first and second widths, the system comprising:

• an instruction root having an operation selection field for selecting an operation to be performed on an operand having said first length;
• and
• an instruction prefix having an operand width modification field for modifying said selected operation so as to be performed on an operand having said second width.

In a data processor, an instruction system comprising:

• a plurality of instruction roots, each instruction root having an operation selection field for selecting an operation to be performed by said data processor;
• and
• an instruction prefix having an instruction group field for selecting a plurality of said instruction roots to comprise a group, the data processor simultaneously initiating the performance of all operations selected by said group.

A system for instructing a data processor adapted to execute first and second types of operations sequentially and a plurality of said first type of operations in parallel, the system comprising:

• an instruction having an operation selection field for selecting one of said first and second types of operations to be executed by said data processor, the operation selection field having a type subfield, the type subfield having:
• a first value for operations of said first type to be executed sequentially;
• a second value for operations of said first type to be executed in parallel and for at least one selected operation of said second type to be executed sequentially.