Processor with table lookup unit

Abstract

A processor includes a scalar processor core and a vector coprocessor core coupled to the scalar processor core. The scalar processor core is configured to retrieve an instruction stream from program storage, and pass vector instructions in the instruction stream to the vector coprocessor core. The vector coprocessor core includes a register file, a plurality of execution units, and a table lookup unit. The register file includes a plurality of registers. The execution units are arranged in parallel to process a plurality of data values. The execution units are coupled to the register file. The table lookup unit is coupled to the register file in parallel with the execution units. The table lookup unit is configured to retrieve table values from one or more lookup tables stored in memory by executing table lookup vector instructions in a table lookup loop.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.