Local instruction loop buffer utilizing execution unit register file

A method of executing instructions in a processing unit of the type including an execution unit including a register file, the method comprising:

• fetching a first plurality of instructions from an instruction stream;
• in response to at least one instruction from the instruction stream, causing the execution unit to manipulate operand data stored in the register file;
• in response to at least one instruction from the instruction stream, loading a second plurality of instructions into the register file of the execution unit to utilize at least a portion of the register file as a local instruction loop buffer;
• fetching the second plurality of instructions from the register file;
• and
• causing the execution unit to execute the second plurality of instructions fetched from the register file;
• wherein the processing unit further comprises instruction decode logic and selection logic configured to pass instructions to the instruction decode logic, the selection logic including at least first and second inputs, the first input configured to receive instructions from an instruction cache and the second input configured to receive instructions from the register file, and wherein the method further comprises switching the selection logic to the second input prior to fetching the second plurality of instructions.