Processor instruction pipeline with error detection scheme
US6457119B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 23, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F11/0793
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a processor includes: a multiple unit instruction pipeline. An instruction pipeline includes a microcode source. The microcode source includes the capability of detecting the occurrence of at least one corrupted microcode instruction. The microcode source is also capable of signaling the occurrence of at least one corrupted microcode instruction to at least one other instruction pipeline unit. Briefly, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a method of executing microcode instructions includes the following. The existence of at least one corrupted microcode instruction is detected and the occurrence of at least one corrupted microcode instruction is signaled. Briefly, in accordance with one more embodiment of the invention, a system includes: a processor with a microcode source capable of detecting the occurrence of at least one corrupted microcode instruction and signaling the occurrence of at least one corrupted microcode instruction to at least one other instruction pipeline unit. The system employing the processor further includes main memory, a video card, a system bus, and bulk storage capability.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.