Opcode compare logic in E-unit for breaking infinite loops, detecting invalid opcodes and other exception checking
US6092185A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F11/3648
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A computer processor which has an apparatus in its Execution Unit (E-unit) that detects a match between an opcode about to be executed and opcodes programmed into it by the computer manufacturer provides a method for alleviating design deficiencies in the processor. The E-unit further contains a mechanism for transmitting the opcode and a desired action back to the Instruction Unit (I-unit) where it may be compared with the next instruction that is decoded. Furthermore, the E-unit opcode compare logic contains a mechanism for breaking infinite loops that may result. This E-unit opcode compare mechanism, may also be used for other purposes such as detecting invalid opcodes and other exception checking since it may allow for a faster cycle time of the processor than if this logic were implemented in the I-unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.