System, method, and apparatus for realizing quicker access of an element in a data structure

A method for accessing an element in a data structure comprising:

• receiving an array with at least one index value;
• receiving a base address;
• shifting a first index value from the array with at least one index value with a fractional shifting logic, wherein the fractional shifting logic is configured to shift logically left, wherein the fractional shifting logic is configured to shift the first index value a first number of bit places up to a first maximum amount, and wherein the fractional shifting logic is further configured to communicate a base offset;
• producing a final address by adding the base offset and the base address at an adding logic;
• receiving a second index value from the array with the at least one index value at a general purpose shifting logic, the general purpose shifting logic being configured to shift the second index value a second number of bit places up to a second maximum amount, and wherein the general purpose shifting logic is further configured to communicate a shifted index value;
• and
• selecting the final address from the adding logic if a data structure is being accessed, and selecting the shifted index value from the general purpose shifting logic if a data structure is not being accessed,
• wherein the first maximum amount is less than the second maximum amount.

A system for accessing an element in a data structure, comprising:

• an array with at least one index value;
• a base address;
• a fractional shifting component configured to produce a first byte address by shifting a first index value from the array, the fractional shifting component configured to shift the first index value a first number of bit places up to a first maximum amount;
• a general purpose shifting component configured to produce a second byte address by shifting a second index value from the array, the general purpose shifting component configured to shift the second index value a second number of bit places up to a second maximum amount;
• and
• an adding component configured to produce a final address by adding the base address and the first byte address,
• wherein the first maximum amount is less than the second maximum amount.

A computer readable storage medium for accessing an element in a data structure comprising:

• first logic receiving an array with at least two index values;
• second logic receiving a base address;
• third logic shifting a first index value of the at least two index values with fractional shifting logic, wherein the fractional shifting logic is configured to shift logically left, wherein the fractional shifting logic is configured to shift the first index value a first number of bit places up to a first maximum amount, wherein the fractional shifting logic is further configured to communicate a base offset;
• fourth logic producing a final address by adding the base offset and the base address;
• fifth logic shifting a second index value of the at least two index values with a general purpose shifting logic, wherein the general purpose shifting logic is configured to shift logically left, wherein the general purpose shifting logic is configured to shift the second index a second number of bit places up to a second maximum amount;
• and
• sixth logic selecting the final address from the fourth logic if a data structure is being accessed, and from the general purpose shifting logic if a data structure is not being accessed;
• wherein the fractional shifting logic is configured to a subset of operations that the general purpose shifting logic is configured to perform,
• wherein the first maximum amount is less than the second maximum amount.