Multicore processor and method of use that adapts core functions based on workload execution

A processor comprising:

• plural cores, each core having one of plural functions, each function associated with a workload executed on a core, at least one re-configurable core of the plural cores having a programmable array with a selected of at least a first or second program, the first program configuring the re-configurable core to a first of the plural functions associated with execution of a first operation on the re-configurable core, the second program configuring the re-configurable core to a second of the plural functions associated with execution of a second operation on the re-configurable core;
• a performance monitor interfaced with the plural cores and operable to monitor utilization of the cores to detect higher utilization of cores having the first function relative to the second function;
• and
• a function manager interfaced with the performance monitor and operable to selectively alter the operation of the cores to manage utilization of the cores by replacing the program of the programmable array to change the function at the at least one re-configurable core from the second function to the first function.

A method for configuration of a processor to execute a software workload that uses at least one of a floating point and an integer function, the processor having plural cores, at least some of the plural cores having one of the floating point and integer functions, the method comprising:

• setting the integer and floating point functions to an initial number of cores based on predetermined function utilization as asserted with the workload;
• analyzing execution of the software workload on the processor to determine a higher utilization of the at least some of the plural cores having one of the floating point and integer functions relative to the at least some of the plural cores having the other of the floating point and integer functions;
• selectively re-programming at least some of the cores based on the utilization of the cores having the floating point and integer functions, the re-programming altering the function executed on at least one of the cores to perform the floating point or integer function having the higher utilization instead of the other function;
• and
• performing the software workload with the processor.