Efficient method and apparatus for employing a micro-op cache in a processor
US8103831B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jan 24, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D10/00
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for using micro-op caches in processors are disclosed. A tag match for an instruction pointer retrieves a set of micro-op cache line access tuples having matching tags. The set is stored in a match queue. Line access tuples from the match queue are used to access cache lines in a micro-op cache data array to supply a micro-op queue. On a micro-op cache miss, a macroinstruction translation engine (MITE) decodes macroinstructions to supply the micro-op queue. Instruction pointers are stored in a miss queue for fetching macroinstructions from the MITE. The MITE may be disabled to conserve power when the miss queue is empty-likewise for the micro-op cache data array when the match queue is empty. Synchronization flags in the last micro-op from the micro-op cache on a subsequent micro-op cache miss indicate where micro-ops from the MITE merge with micro-ops from the micro-op cache.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.