Patent ID: 8719837
Filing Date: 2014-05-06
Classification: G06F,Y02D

Abstract:
1. In a microprocessor, a method of selectively providing context switch support for extendible microprocessor logic to an operating system executing on the microprocessor, the method comprising: providing at least one software extension to the operating system, the software extension defining properties including instructions, register locations of the extendible microprocessor logic and a function whereby the extendible microprocessor logic may be enabled or disabled, the at least one software extension associated with an illegal instruction exception and an extension disabled exception, the illegal instruction exception indicating that access to the at least one software extension is prohibited and the extension disabled exception indicating that the at least one software extension is available but access to the at least one software extension is currently disabled; generating, based on whether the at least one software extension is required by a program, either the illegal instruction exception or the extension disabled extension when the at least one software extension is requested by the program; and in response to the extension disabled exception due to the program requiring the at least one software extension, calling with the operating system the at least one software extension to perform context switching of data contained within the portion of the extendible microprocessor logic.