VLIW processor with power saving
US7457970B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 17, 2003 |
| Grant date | Nov 25, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 14, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D30/50
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A data processing apparatus has an instruction memory system arranged to output an instruction word, capable of containing a plurality of instructions, respective instruction words being output in response to respective instruction addresses. An instruction execution unit contains a plurality of functional units, each capable of executing a respective instruction from the instruction word in parallel with execution of other instructions from the instruction word by other ones of the functional units. A power saving circuit is provided to switch a selectable subset of the functional units and/or parts of the instruction memory to a power saving state, while other functional units and parts of the instruction memory continue processing instructions in a normal power consuming state. The power saving circuit selects the functional units and/or parts of the instruction memory dependent on program execution.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.