Multithread handling

A method of operating a multi-thread processing unit, the method comprising:

• fetching and issuing instructions of a plurality of instruction execution threads for execution by an execution block;
• modifying a first thread-operation bit of a first thread-operation register associated with a first instruction execution thread to engage a first lock to the first instruction execution thread, the first lock to at least prevent a second instruction execution thread of the plurality of instruction execution threads from disabling the first instruction execution thread while the first instruction execution thread has the first lock engaged;
• and
• atomically disabling, by the multi-thread processing unit, the first instruction execution thread.

An apparatus comprising:

• instruction dispatch means to fetch and issue instructions of a plurality of instruction execution threads for execution by execution means;
• thread-control means operatively coupled to the instruction dispatch means, the thread-control means including a thread-control bit for selectively disabling a particular instruction execution thread;
• thread-operation means including a thread-operation bit for selectively providing a lock to a first instruction execution thread to prevent an instruction, received by the first instruction execution thread from a second instruction execution thread, from disabling the first instruction execution thread;
• and
• disabling means to (i) atomically disable the first instruction execution thread and (ii) release the lock from the first instruction execution thread.