Method and sytem for predicate-controlled multi-function instructions
OwnerLars S. NYLAND, John R. Nickolls +1inventors
InventorsLars S. NYLAND, John R. Nickolls, Kathleen Elliott Nickolls
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Abstract
Techniques are disclosed for executing conditional computer instructions in an efficient manner that reduces bubbles and idle states. In one embodiment, dual-function instruction execution is disclosed where the dual-function instruction has two possible functions (or operations), the choice of which is controlled by a predicate value with a true or false value. Among other things, the disclosed techniques provide dynamic control for choosing which operation to execute leading to more efficiently executed code.
Claims20
A method for executing a multi-function instruction in a processing unit, the method, comprising:
- receiving a first plurality of arguments to use with the multi-function instruction;
- receiving a predicate value that identifies at least one function of the multi-function instruction;
- performing the at least one function on the first plurality of arguments to generate a result;
- storing the result in a memory for later use.
A computer-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by a processing unit, cause the processing unit to execute a multi-function instruction, by performing the steps of:
- receiving a first plurality of arguments to use with the multi-function instruction;
- receiving a predicate value, that identifies at least one function of the multi-function instruction;
- performing the at least one function on the first plurality of arguments to generate a result;
- storing the result in a memory for later use.
A computing device comprising:
- a data bus;
- a memory unit coupled to the data bus;
- a processing unit coupled to the data bus and configured to
- receive a first plurality of arguments to use with a the multi-function instruction;
- receive a predicate value, that identifies at least one function of the multi-function instruction;
- perform the at least one function on the first plurality of arguments to generate a result;
- store the result in the memory unit for later use.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.