Mixed-endian computer system
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsMichael Joseph Carnevale, Martin Edward Hopkins, Larry Wayne Loen, Edward John Silha, Andrew Henry Wottreng
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Abstract
A conventional bi-endian computer system is enhanced to include mixed-endian circuitry that allows the computer system to dynamically change its endian mode. The mixed-endian computer system can change endian mode on a task by task basis if necessary. The mixed-endian circuitry automatically formats the data in the form expected by the running task, regardless of whether the task expects the data to be in big endian format or in little endian format. The mixed-endian circuitry also formats big and little endian instructions such that they can execute on the same computer system.
Claims10
A computer system, said computer system comprising:
- means for initiating a first request for data, said request being initiated by a first program of a particular endian type, said first program executing as a task on a processor;
- means for copying said data from main memory into cache memory;
- means for reflecting said data;
- means for presenting said data to said first program;
- means for storing said data back into said cache;
- and
- means for storing an indication that said data was reflected in said reflecting step.
A computer system, said computer system comprising:
- a processor;
- main memory;
- cache memory;
- and
- data, said data being of a particular endian type, said data being reflected when presented to a first program that is of a different endian type, said data being stored back into said cache memory after presentation to said program, an indication of whether said data has been reflected being stored in said cache memory.
A computer-implemented method, said method comprising the steps of:
- initiating a first request for data, said request being initiated by a first program of a particular endian type, said first program executing as a task on a processor;
- copying said data from main memory into cache memory;
- reflecting said data;
- presenting said data to said first program;
- storing said data back into said cache;
- and
- storing an indication that said data was reflected in said reflecting step.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.