Patent ID: 6865662
Filing Date: 2005-03-08
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A very long instruction word (VLIW) processor for executing a very long instruction word, the VLIW having a conditional execution head (CEX) and a plurality of operations, the VLIW processor comprising: a plurality of functional units for executing operations in parallel; an instruction register having a plurality of slots for holding the conditional execution head and the operations, the conditional execution head comprising a plurality of conditional indicators each specifying a condition under which a corresponding operation comprised in the VLIW is to be executed; a plurality of switches each connected to a slot and a functional unit for controlling delivery of an operation from the slot to the functional unit for execution; and a control circuit connected to the instruction register and each switch, the control circuit being capable of opening or closing the switch according to the condition specified in the corresponding conditional indicator; wherein functional units which are connected to opened switches will receive operations from slots connected to the switches, functional units which are connected to closed switches will be prohibited from receiving operations, and operations which are received by functional units will be executed in parallel.