Coprocessor processing instructions in turn from multiple instruction ports coupled to respective processors
AssigneeAltera Corporation
InventorEdwin Franklin Barry
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A coprocessor instruction interface is described which provides a flexible degree of coupling with a host control processor. Specific methods are defined for architectures to make use of multiple coprocessing instruction interfaces with a single coprocessor for supporting client-server coprocessors (CSCOPs). A dynamic debug interface is used in each coprocessor instruction interface to support tightly coupled, loosely coupled and firmly coupled operation of the single conprocessor for a corresponding coupled control processor.
Claims19
An apparatus for providing a single coprocessor to act as a server (SCOP) to support a number of client control processors (CCP) wherein each client has its own coprocessor instruction port which is serviced in turn by the single coprocessor acting as the server, the apparatus comprising:
- a coprocessor acting as a server coprocessor SCOP for a plurality of client control processors (CCPs);
- and
- a plurality of instruction ports on the SCOP, each instruction port coupled to a CCP, at least one of the plurality of instruction ports includes an instruction queue to which a coupled CCP posts instructions and instruction control logic to control the SCOP so that the SCOP operates in either a tightly coupled mode, wherein the SCOP receives and executes the posted instructions, or a firmly coupled mode, wherein the SCOP fetches an instruction stream as directed by the posted instructions.
A system for off loading coprocessor instructions from at least two control processors to a single coprocessor, the system comprising:
- the at least two control processors;
- the single coprocessor having an instruction port for each control processor;
- and
- at least two coprocessor instruction buses, each coprocessor instruction bus coupled to a control processor and corresponding instruction port, the at least two control processors posting coprocessor instructions to their respective instruction ports, the single coprocessor processing in turn the posted coprocessor instructions for the at least two control processors.
A method of off loading coprocessor instructions from at least two client control processors to a single coprocessor comprising:
- coupling at least two control processors to corresponding instruction ports of a single coprocessor;
- posting coprocessor instructions from the at least two control processors to the corresponding instruction ports of the single coprocessor;
- and
- processing coprocessor instructions from the corresponding instruction ports by the single coprocessor according to a scheduling program.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.