# Patent

## Title
Variable length pipeline processor architecture

## Abstract

In one implementation, a pipeline processor is provided having a base architecture that includes one or more decoders operable to decode program instructions and generate one or more decoded instructions, and one or more execution units operable to execute the one or more decoded instructions. Each execution unit includes one or more execution pipeline stages. The pipeline processor architecture further includes one or more additional co-processor pipelines. The one or more decoders of the base architecture are operable to recognize one or more instructions to be processed by a given co-processor pipeline and pass the one or more recognized instructions to the given co-processor pipeline for decoding and execution.

## Background
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/649,654 entitled—Variable Length Pipeline Processor Architecture, filed on Feb. 2, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.


BACKGROUND
The following disclosure relates to processing circuits and systems.
In a conventional pipeline processor, instruction execution is generally broken down into a series of discrete pipeline stages that can be completed in sequence by specialized hardware. For example, two types of instructions typically executed by a pipeline processor include load instructions and store instructions. Conventional pipeline processors generally include separate, dedicated pipeline stages to respectively handle load instructions and store instructions.
Further, in a conventional pipeline processor, a base architecture of the pipeline processor typically requires extensive redesign to accommodate additional instruction execution units or extended instruction sets, e.g., customer-specific instruction execution units or instruction sets. Additionally, conventional pipeline processors typically have a high power consumption due to, inter alia, an inability to precisely control portions of the pipeline as required.
SUMMARY
In general, in one aspect, this specification describes a processor that includes a buffer operable to store an instruction, a decoder responsive to the instruction stored in the buffer, and issue logic responsive to the decoder. The processor further includes a first execution unit including a first input register operable to receive data for execution of a decoded instruction, and a second execution unit including a second input register operable to separately receive data with respect to the first input register for execution of a decoded instruction.
Particular implementations can include one or more of the following features. Only latches within the first execution unit can toggle if data is received by the first input register and not the second input register. Also, only latches within the second execution unit can toggle if data is received by the second input register and not the first input register. The processor can further include a co-processor pipeline, in which the decoder can recognize an instruction to be processed by the co-processor pipeline and pass the recognized instruction to the co-processor pipeline for decoding and execution. The co-processor pipeline can include a second decoder responsive to the recognized instruction passed from the decoder, and an execution unit responsive to a decoded instruction from the second decoder. At least one of the first execution unit or the second execution unit can be a composite load/store execution unit operable to execute decoded load instructions and decoded store instructions in addition to or in lieu of decoded arithmetic logic unit (ALU) instructions or decoded shift instructions.
In general, in another aspect, this specification describes a processor that includes a buffer operable to store an instruction, a decoder responsive to the instruction stored in the buffer, and issue logic responsive to the decoder. The processor further includes a load/store execution pipeline including a load/store execution unit and a functional unit.
Particular implementations can include one or more of the following features. The functional unit can be one of an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a shifter, or a multiply and accumulate (MAC) unit. The processor can further include a co-processor pipeline, in which the decoder can recognize an instruction to be processed by the co-processor pipeline and pass the recognized instruction to the co-processor pipeline for decoding and execution.
In general, in another aspect, this specification describes a pipeline processor architecture having a base architecture that includes one or more decoders operable to decode program instructions and generate one or more decoded instructions, and one or more execution units operable to execute the one or more decoded instructions. Each execution unit includes one or more execution pipeline stages. The pipeline processor architecture further includes one or more additional co-processor pipelines. The one or more decoders of the base architecture are operable to recognize one or more instructions to be processed by a given co-processor pipeline and pass the one or more recognized instructions to the given co-processor pipeline for decoding and execution.
Particular implementations can include one or more of the following features. The one or more additional co-processor pipelines can include one or more second decoders operable to decode the one or more recognized instructions passed from the base architecture and generate one or more second decoded instructions, and one or more second execution units operable to execute the one or more second decoded instructions. At least one of the one or more execution units associated with the base architecture can include one register before and after each execution pipeline stage. Each register can separately receive data for a given execution stage without regard to whether data was received by other ones of the registers.
In general, in another aspect, this specification describes a method of operation for a processor. The method includes storing program instructions during an, instruction fetch stage associated with the processor, decoding the program instructions and generating corresponding decoded instructions during a decode stage associated with the processor, and issuing the decoded instructions for execution based on one or more predetermined criterion. The decoded instructions are issued during an instruction issue stage associated with the processor. The method further includes executing a given issued decoded instruction within a given execution pipeline during an execution stage associated with the processor, including, not updating data within an execution pipeline not being used in a given instruction cycle.
Particular implementations can include one or more of the following features. Issuing the decoded instructions can include bypassing one or more execution pipeline stages within a pipeline. Issuing the decoded instructions for execution based on one or more predetermined criterion can include issuing one or more of the decoded instructions based on an availability of one or more of the plurality of execution units.
In general, in another aspect, this specification describes a method of operation for a processor that includes storing a program instruction; decoding the program instruction and generating a decoded instruction; issuing the decoded instruction to a load/store execution pipeline of the processor; and executing within the load/store execution pipeline one of a decoded load instruction or a decoded store instruction in addition to or in lieu of a decoded arithmetic logic unit (ALU) instruction or a decoded shift instruction.
Particular implementations can include one or more of the following features. The method can further include recognizing an instruction to be processed by a co-processor pipeline and passing the recognized instruction to the co-processor pipeline for decoding and execution. The method can further include decoding the recognized instruction and executing the recognized instruction in the co-processor pipeline.
In general, in another aspect, this specification describes a method of operation for a processor. The method includes storing a program instruction, and decoding the program instruction, including recognizing whether the program instruction is to be processed by a co-processor pipeline. If the program instruction is to be processed by the co-processor pipeline, then the recognized instruction is passed to the co-processor pipeline for decoding and execution. Otherwise a decoded instruction is issued to an execution pipeline of the processor, and a given issued decoded instruction is executed within a given execution pipeline during an execution stage associated with the processor.
In general, in another aspect, this specification describes a processor that includes means for storing an instruction, means for decoding the instruction stored in the buffer, and means for issuing decoded instructions. The processor further includes a first means for executing that includes first means for receiving data for execution of a decoded instruction, and a second means for executing that includes means for separately receiving data with respect to the first means for receiving data.
In general, in another aspect, this specification describes a processor that includes means for storing an instruction, means for decoding the stored instruction, and means for issuing a decoded instruction. The processor further includes executing means that includes means for executing a load or store operation in addition to or in lieu of an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) operation or a shift operation.
In general, in another aspect, this specification describes a pipeline processor architecture having a base architecture that includes means for decoding program instructions and generating one or more decoded instructions, and means for executing the one or more decoded instructions. The means for executing includes one or more execution means. The pipeline processor architecture further includes one or more additional means for decoding and executing instructions. The means for decoding program instructions of the base architecture includes means for recognizing one or more instructions to be processed by a given additional means for decoding and executing instructions and passing the one or more recognized instructions to the given additional means for decoding and executing instructions.
Implementations can include one or more of the following advantages. A highly scalable pipeline processor architecture is provided. In one implementation, the pipeline processor architecture has a base architecture that does not require extensive redesign to accommodate additional instruction execution units (e.g., customer-specific instruction execution units). The pipeline processor architecture can be an ARM (Advanced RISC Machine) pipeline processor architecture. The pipeline processor architecture can support one or more of the following features—dual pipelining, out-of-order execution, variable stage execution, and branch prediction.
In one implementation, a pipeline processor architecture having a dual-issue superscalar design is provided. In one implementation, the superscalar design is implemented with only about a 60% increase in silicon gate count in the core unit, or base architecture, as compared to a conventional single issue device. Cache units associated with the superscalar design are substantially identical to those in a conventional single issue device. The superscalar design can be scaled down to a single issue device simply by removing a second data path that permits a smaller silicon area for the processor architecture. The scaled down single issue device can retain one or more features of the superscalar design including, for example, variable stage execution and branch prediction.
In one implementation, a pipeline processor architecture is provided that can have 6-9 stages to achieve a balance between maximum operating speeds and power dissipation. For example, in a typical 90 nm CMOS process, the pipeline processor architecture can achieve an operating frequency up to 1 GHz with low power. In other implementations, a pipeline processor architecture is provided that can have any number of stages depending upon the particulars or constraints of a given application. The pipeline processor can also include a level-2 (L2) unified cache for high performance applications. The pipeline processor architecture can also include one or more execution units (e.g., arithmetic logic units (ALUs)) that can execute multiple instructions. For example, in one implementation an ALU is provided that can execute both load instructions and store instructions, in addition to ALU instructions.
Additionally, operands (or data) can be separately stored in registers between pipeline stages of the pipeline processor architecture. For example, in one implementation, data from a register file is separately provided to an ALU and a multiply and accumulate (MAC) unit. If a MAC instruction is the only instruction that needs to be executed by the processor during a given instruction cycle, then only the data provided to the MAC unit (and data stored in registers between pipeline stages of the MAC unit) is changed, while the data provided to the ALU remains unchanged. Such operation reduces power consumption within a pipeline processor architecture by eliminating unnecessary toggling of logic gates and latches within execution units.
The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.



DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a pipeline processor architecture.
FIG. 2 is method of operation of a pipeline processor designed in accordance with the pipeline processor architecture of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a pipeline processor designed in accordance with the pipeline processor architecture of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the pipeline processor of FIG. 3 including additional execution units.



Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a pipeline processor architecture 100 that enables execution of one or more program instructions (per instruction cycle) received through one or more data paths D1, D2, Dn. A minimal pipeline processor design (e.g., a non-superscalar, single issue design) includes only a single data path, e.g., only data path D1. In one implementation, pipeline processor architecture 100 includes (7) stages. The (7) stages include an instruction fetch stage (IF), an instruction decode stage (ID), an instruction issue stage (IS), and execution stages (EX1), (EX2), (EX3), and (EX4). Pipeline processor architecture 100, however, can include a different number of stages.
In one implementation, pipeline processor architecture 100 includes a base architecture 102 that contains one or more buffers 104, one or more decoders 106, a register file 108, and issue logic 110.
Base architecture 102 further includes (3) pipelines 112-116. Pipeline 112 includes an execution unit 118, pipeline 114 includes an execution unit 120, and pipeline 116 includes a composite load/store execution unit 122. Though (3) pipelines 112-116 are illustrated in FIG. 1 by way of example, base architecture 102 can include a different number of pipelines and execution units.
Buffer(s) 104 stores program instructions received through the one or more data paths D1, D2, Dn. In one implementation, buffer(s) 104 receives the program instructions from an instruction cache 101. Decoder(s) 106 decodes the program instructions and generates decoded instructions to be executed by any one of execution units 118-122. In one implementation, the decoded instructions are fixed length micro-op instructions. Register file 108 stores operands to be used by execution units 118-122.
Issue logic 110 is operable to determine whether more than one decoded instruction can be executed simultaneously—i.e., within the same instruction cycle. If more than one decoded instruction can be executed, then issue logic 110 issues the decoded instructions to corresponding execution units simultaneously. For example, if decoder(s) 106 decodes instructions for both execution units 118, 120, issue logic 110 determines whether execution units 118, 120 are available, and also whether operands associated with the two decoded instructions are available. In one implementation, the operands are available either in register file 108, a re-order buffer (not shown), or through a bypass (not shown) from an execution unit. The re-order buffer and bypass are discussed in greater detail below in association with FIG. 3. If execution units 118, 120 and the operands are available, then issue logic 110 will issue the two instructions simultaneously to execution units 118, 120. In one implementation, issue logic 110 issues instructions (to be executed) in order—i.e., in strict program order. Other ordering is possible.
Execution units (or functional units) 118, 120 can be implemented to execute any conventional type of operation. Types of operations include ALU (arithmetic logic unit) operations, shift operations, digital signal processing (DSP) operations, and so on. Execution units 118, 120 can include logic gates (not shown), including AND gates, OR gates, XOR gates, and so on. Execution units 118, 120 can also include multiplexers (not shown) and latches, or buffers, (not shown) to facilitate execution in an execution unit. Though execution unit 118 is illustrated as having (3) pipeline stages Ell, E12, E13 and execution unit 120 is shown as having (2) pipeline stages E21, E22, these execution units can have a different number of pipeline stages and/or a same number of pipeline stages dependent upon a complexity of operation to be executed by the respective execution units.
Composite load/store execution unit 122 is operable to execute both load instructions and store instructions, in addition to or in lieu of one or more other types of instructions discussed above. In one implementation, as discussed in greater detail below, composite load/store execution unit 122 is operable to execute shift instructions and ALU instructions, in addition to load and store instructions. In one implementation, composite load/store execution unit 122 includes (4) stages—(AG1) address generation 1, (AG2) address generation 2, (DF) data fetch, and (WB) write back—to facilitate load and store instructions. Composite load/store execution unit 122 can contain a different number of stages.
With respect to a load instruction, in one implementation, composite load/store execution unit 122 generates a memory address—e.g., a cache memory address—(during one or both of address generation stages (AG1), (AG2)) from which data will be read. During the data fetch (DF) stage, composite load/store execution unit 122 retrieves the data through an interface (e.g., data cache interface (I/F) 124). In one implementation, data cache I/F 124 is an interface to a level-2 (L2) unified cache (not shown). The data retrieved through the interface (e.g., data cache I/F 124) can be written to a re-order buffer (not shown) or bypassed to an execution unit as needed during the write back (WB) stage.
With respect to a store instruction, in one implementation, composite load/store execution unit 122 generates a memory address (during one or both of address generation stages (AG1), (AG2)) to which data will be written or stored. The generated memory address can be a memory address of a data cache (not shown) or a bus (not shown).
In one implementation, there is a tag ram and a data ram associated with the data cache. In one implementation, the tag ram and the data ram are used for mapping addresses within the data cache. With respect to a load instruction, both the TAG ram and the data ram are accessed at the same time during address generation stage AG1 or AG2. With respect to a store instruction, only the tag ram needs to be accessed during address generation stage AG1 or AG2. The data fetch (DF) stage can be used to register (e.g., for timing purposes) both data and tag information. In one implementation, during the write back (WB) stage, cache hits and misses occurs. With respect to a load instruction, if a cache hit occurs then nothing further needs to be done. If a cache miss occurs, then a bus access occurs. With respect to a store instruction, if a cache hit occurs, then data can be written into the cache during the write back (WB) stage. If a cache miss occurs, then data can be written to a write buffer or to the bus. An instruction cache can be accessed in a similar manner as a data cache.
Further execution units can be added to pipeline processor architecture 100 without a substantial redesign to base architecture 102. For example, shown in FIG. 1, pipeline processor architecture 100 can optionally support an additional co-processor pipeline—e.g., co-processor pipeline 150 shown in FIG. 1. In one implementation, co-processor pipeline 150 includes one or more decoders 152, a register file 154 and pipelines 156, 158. Though co-processor pipeline 150 is shown having (2) pipelines (e.g., to support dual issue), co-processor pipeline can have a different number of pipelines. Co-processor pipeline 150 can further include an associated issue logic (not shown) for determining whether decoded instructions can be issued simultaneously within co-processor pipeline 150. Pipelines 156, 158 include execution units 160, 162, respectively.
Execution units 160, 162 can each perform a similar function as any one of execution units 118-122 or a different function. Decoder(s) 106 can be programmed to recognize and pass any instructions that are not intended for an execution unit within base architecture 102 (e.g., execution units 118-122) to decoder(s) 152 for decoding within co-processor pipeline 150. As a result, pipeline processor 100 becomes extensible—i.e., additional co-processor pipelines that can handle instructions not intended for an execution unit within base architecture 102 can be added to pipeline processor 100. Execution units 160, 162 can further include registers (not shown) before and after each execution stage (e.g., execution stages E41, E42, E51, E52, E53). The registers can permit operands to be separately provided to each execution unit 160, 162 (or execution stage within the execution units). Additional co-processor pipelines (not shown) can be supported (i.e., by being added to base architecture 102) in a like manner.
Pipeline processor architecture 100 can also include one or more registers (or buffers) located before and after each pipeline stage of each execution unit. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, execution unit 118 includes registers A1-A4, execution unit 120 includes registers B1-B3, and composite load/store execution unit 122 includes registers C1-05. In one implementation, operands from register file 108 are separately provided to each register A1, B1, C1. In addition, operands can be separately provided to each execution unit 118-120 (or stage within an execution unit) on a need-only basis using registers A1-A5, B1-B3, C1-C5, unlike a conventional processor architecture in which operands may be provided to all execution units regardless of need. For example, if only a load instruction is to be executed within a given instruction cycle, data associated with the load instruction can be provided to register C1. Registers associated with the other execution units (i.e., registers A1-A5, registers B1-B3) can remain unchanged. Such operation reduces power consumption within a pipeline processor architecture by eliminating unnecessary toggling of logic gates and latches within execution units that are not utilized during a given instruction cycle.
In one implementation, data can also be bypassed from one register to another as needed. For example, if pipeline stage E32 (associated with composite load/store execution unit 122) needs the results of an instruction executed by pipeline stage E12 (associated with execution unit 118), then data from register A2 can be bypassed to register C2. Such operation permits instructions to be issued even when an operand is not available from register file 108.
FIG. 2 shows a method 200 for processing program instructions within a pipeline processor (e.g., built in accordance with pipeline processor architecture 100). Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, one or more instructions are received (step 202). In one implementation, the one or more instructions are received from an instruction cache (e.g., instruction cache 101) during an instruction fetch stage by one or more buffers (e.g., buffer(s) 104).
The one or more instructions are decoded (step 204). The one or more instructions can be decoded through one or more corresponding decoders (e.g., decoder(s) 106). If a decoder is unable to decode an instruction, then the decoder passes the instruction to one or more decoders of any additional co-processor pipelines (e.g., co-processor pipeline 150) that may be attached to the pipeline processor base architecture (step 205).
A determination is made (e.g., through issue logic 110) whether more than one decoded instruction can be executed simultaneously (step 206). If more than one decoded instruction can be executed simultaneously, then a plurality of decoded instructions are issued to corresponding execution units (e.g., execution units 118-122) (step 208). In one implementation, issue logic 110 determines whether more than one decoded instruction can issue simultaneously based on an availability of execution units and operands corresponding to the decoded instructions. If more than one decoded instruction cannot be executed simultaneously, then a single decoded instruction is issued to a corresponding execution unit (step 210). In one implementation, the decoded instructions are issued separately to registers associated with each execution unit. The decoded instructions can also be simultaneously issued to a re-order buffer. The re-order buffer can maintain an in-order retirement of the instructions. After steps 208, 210, method 200 returns to step 202, discussed above.
FIG. 3 illustrates one implementation of a pipeline processor 300 configured in accordance with pipeline processor architecture 100 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, pipeline processor 300 includes buffers 1, 2, decoders 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, a register file 302, issue logic 304, a pre-fifo 320, a re-order buffer 322, a branch target buffer (BTB) 324, and a branch prediction unit (BPU) 326. Pipeline processor 300 further includes (3) pipelines 306-310.
Within pipeline processor 300, more than one instruction can issue simultaneously to execution units associated with pipelines 306-310. A first data path D1 is provided through buffer 1, decoder 1A, and decoder 1B, and a second data path D2 is provided through buffer 2, decoder 2A, and decoder 2B. In one implementation, during an instruction fetch (IF) stage, buffers 1, 2 each receive program instructions from an instruction cache 301. Also during the IF stage, the address of any instruction assumed to be a conditional branch instruction is passed to branch target buffer 324 for lookup. In one implementation, branch target buffer 324 predicts whether a conditional branch should be taken based on past conditional branches. An address location of the predicted path can be stored in branch target buffer 324. If the address of the instruction hits within branch target buffer 324, then the conditional branch is taken.
During the first instruction decode stage (ID1), instructions within buffers 1, 2 are respectively mini-decoded to determine whether the two instructions can be issued simultaneously (e.g., through issue logic 304), and if so, how to arrange a source index (e.g., source indexes src1-src5) to register file 302. Also during the ID1 stage, in one implementation, a second stage branch prediction is implemented by branch prediction unit 326. In one implementation, branch prediction unit 326 determines whether a conditional branch should be taken if the instruction did not hit within branch target buffer 326. Also, logic (not shown) determines whether the instruction that hit within branch target buffer 324 was a conditional branch and that a target address is matched as well, if so, then no change occurs to instruction flow, otherwise the branch target within branch target buffer 324 is cancelled and a flush is issued to fetch a correct next instruction.
During the second decode stage (ID2), instructions from buffers 1, 2 are further decoded to determine how a source index of register file 302 (e.g., source indexes src1-src5) are to be switched so that operands within register file 302 can be properly aligned with an execution unit upon execution of a given instruction.
The decoded instructions are sent to pre-fifo 320. In one implementation, pre-fifo 320 includes two ports: port A and port B. Port A receives decoded instructions from data path D1 and port B receives decoded instructions from data path D2. In one implementation, the decoded instructions are sent to pre-fifo 320 to preserve an accurate timing of instruction flow. In one implementation, after (1) instruction cycle, the decoded instructions are sent from pre-fifo 320 to re-order buffer 322.
During the instruction issue (IS) stage, issued instructions are sent to re-order buffer 322. Re-order buffer 322 stores the results of executed instructions until the executed instructions are ready for retirement, e.g., into register file 302. In one implementation, re-order buffer 322 is a circular buffer containing (8) entries. Re-order buffer 322 can contain a different number of entries. In one implementation, results of a load instruction are first written to re-order buffer 322, and then re-order buffer 322 updates register file 302. In one implementation, with respect to a other instructions (e.g., a store instruction, ALU instruction, MAC instruction, and so on), if during a given instruction cycle, an instruction is at the bottom of an entry of re-order buffer 322 and an execution unit completes the instruction, results of the executed instruction are written directly to register file 302 without having to first be written to re-order buffer 322.
In one implementation, issue logic 304 issues instructions to the execution units within pipeline processor 300 based on execution unit availability and operand availability. Issue logic 304 can issue instructions from re-order buffer 322 even when an operand is unavailable from register file 302. In such a case, the needed operand can be bypassed to a given execution unit from another execution unit having the operand, or if the needed operand is within re-order buffer 322, then the operand can be bypassed directly to the execution unit from re-order buffer 322. In one implementation, data can be bypassed from between any execution pipeline stage.
Pipeline 306 includes a shifter (i.e., shifter 2), an ALU (i.e., ALU 2), and a digital signal processing element (i.e., DSPE 1), and is operable to execute shift, ALU, and digital signal processing (DSP) instructions. Pipeline 308 includes multiply and accumulate (MAC) units MAC 1, MAC 2, and MAC 3, and is operable to execute a (3)-stage multiply and accumulate operation.
Pipeline 310 includes a composite load/store execution unit 312. In one implementation, composite load/store execution unit 312 includes shifter 1, ALU 1, data fetch (DF) circuitry 314, and write back (WB) circuitry 316. In this implementation, composite load/store execution unit 312 is operable to execute shift, ALU, load, and store instructions. Shifter 1 is operable to execute address shifts and logic shifts. ALU 1 is operable to combine two addresses together and execute conventional ALU instructions. After each execution stage, data can be retired to re-order buffer 322 depending upon the type of instruction executed. For example, data can be retired to re-order buffer 322 from register C2 after a logic shift operation by shifter 1.
With respect to a load instruction, data fetch (DF) circuitry 314 retrieves data through a data cache interface (I/F) 318. If the data is not available from an associated cache (not shown), then the data can be retrieved from another memory (not shown)—e.g., RAM (random access memory). With respect to a store operation, write back (WB) circuitry 316 is operable to write data back to re-order buffer 322, register file 302, cache (not shown), or other memory (not shown).
FIG. 4 illustrates pipeline processor 300 (shown in FIG. 3) along with an additional co-processor pipeline—i.e., MMX pipeline 400. MMX pipeline 400 includes a decoder 402, a MMX register file 404, and two pipelines 406, 408. Pipeline 406 includes a (3)-stage MMX execution unit 410 (MMX1-3), and pipeline 408 includes a (3)-stage MMX execution unit 412 (MMX4-6). Registers (not shown) can be present before and after each of the MMX execution stages. MMX pipeline 400 is operable to execute multi-media extension instructions. In one implementation, instructions flowing through data paths D1, D2 that are intended for MMX pipeline 400 are sent to decoder 402 for decoding. In one implementation, decoders within pipeline processor 300 (e.g., decoders 1A, 2A) are pre-programmed to send instructions intended for MMX pipeline 400 to decoder 402. Other types of co-processor pipelines can also be supported (i.e., added to pipeline processor 300). Other types of co-processor pipelines include co-processor pipelines that can execute vector instructions, floating point instructions, and so on.
A processor built in accordance with pipeline processor architecture 100 of FIG. 1 can be used in a wide range of applications. For example, such a pipeline processor can be used in data storage systems, wireless applications, and other computer systems.
A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, instructions can be retired at an earlier stage other than as described above. Also, issue logic (e.g., issue logic 304) can issue instructions (to be executed) out of strict program order through use of one or more reservation tables. Register file 302 can include additional read/write ports. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

## Claims

1. A processor having a plurality of pipeline stages for processing instructions, the processor comprising:
a buffer to store an instruction during an instruction fetch stage associated with the processor;
a decoder to decode the instruction and generate a corresponding decoded instruction during a decode stage associated with the processor;
issue logic to issue the decoded instruction for execution based on a predetermined criterion, the decoded instruction being issued during an instruction issue stage associated with the processor;
a processor register file to store one or more operands;
a plurality of pipeline registers operable to store an issued instruction from the issue logic and to latch data between a plurality of execution pipeline stages;
a plurality of execution units corresponding to each of the plurality of pipeline registers, each of the execution units having one of the plurality of pipeline registers at an input and another one of the plurality of pipeline registers at an output, the plurality of pipeline registers at the input and the plurality of pipeline registers at the output being different for each of the execution units, wherein each of the execution units is operable to respectively execute a stored instruction received from a corresponding one of the plurality of pipeline registers at the input during an execution pipeline stage of the plurality of execution pipeline stages, wherein the one of the plurality of pipeline registers at the input receives a decoded instruction to be executed by a corresponding execution unit, wherein at least one of the plurality of execution units includes a different number of execution pipeline stages relative to another execution unit, and wherein the one or more operands are provided to the plurality of execution units on a need-only basis using the plurality of pipeline registers, the plurality of execution units including,
at least one composite load/store execution unit operable to execute decoded load instructions and decoded store instructions in addition to decoded arithmetic logic unit (ALU) instructions; and

a co-processor pipeline having a co-processor register file that stores one or more operands, wherein the decoder is operable to recognize an instruction to be processed by the co-processor pipeline and pass the recognized instruction to the co-processor pipeline for decoding, where a decoded recognized instruction is executable by the co-processor pipeline using the one or more operands stored in the co-processor register file,
wherein a result associated with the decoded recognized instruction executed by the co-processor pipeline is written to the processor register file; and
wherein executing the decoded recognized instruction by the co-processor pipeline and writing the result to the processor register file are performed in a same operation.

2. The processor of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pipeline registers permits data to flow through a given execution unit that is executing a given decoded instruction without requiring data to flow through another execution unit not executing the given instruction.

3. The processor of claim 1, wherein:
each of the plurality of execution units includes a plurality of execution pipeline stages; and
each of the plurality of pipeline registers are in communication with one another.

4. The processor of claim 1, further comprising a branch target buffer and a branch prediction unit.

5. The processor of claim 1, wherein the predetermined criterion is based on an availability of one or more of the plurality of execution units.

6. The processor of claim 1, wherein the plurality of execution units further includes one or more of execution units that are operable to execute arithmetic logic unit (ALU) operations, shift operations, MMX (Multi-Media eXtension) operations, vector operations, or floating point operations.

7. The processor of claim 1, wherein the composite load/store execution unit includes the plurality of execution pipeline stages to support execution of decoded load instructions, decoded store instructions, decoded ALU instructions, and decoded shift instructions.

8. The processor of claim 7, wherein the composite load/store execution unit includes four execution pipeline stages.

9. The processor of claim 8, wherein the four execution pipeline stages include at least one of a shifter, an ALU, data fetch circuitry, or write back circuitry.

10. The processor of claim 1, wherein the co-processor pipeline includes:
a second decoder operable to decode the recognized instruction and generate a second decoded instruction; and
an execution unit operable to execute the second decoded instruction.

11. The processor of claim 1, wherein the result is further written to the co-processor register file.

12. A processor, comprising:
a buffer to store an instruction;
a decoder that decodes the instruction stored in the buffer;
issue logic that issues the decoded instruction;
a plurality of first pipeline registers configured to store a single issued instruction from the issue logic, the plurality of first pipeline registers operable to latch data between a first plurality of execution pipeline stages;
a first execution unit having one of the plurality of first pipeline registers at an input and another one of the plurality of first pipeline registers at an output, and configured to execute the issued instruction from the one of the plurality of first pipeline registers at the input, the first execution unit including the first plurality of execution pipeline stages;
a plurality of second different pipeline registers configured to store an issued instruction from the issue logic, the plurality of second pipeline registers operable to latch data between a second plurality of execution pipeline stages; and
a second execution unit having one of the plurality of second pipeline registers at an input and another one of the plurality of second pipeline registers at an output, and configured to execute the issued instruction from the one of the plurality of second pipeline registers at the input, the second execution unit including the second plurality of execution pipeline stages,
wherein issued instructions directly received by a respective one of the first execution unit or the second execution unit are received in order and one at a time;
wherein the decoder is operable to recognize an instruction to be processed by a co-processor pipeline and pass the recognized instruction to the co-processor pipeline to generate a co-processor result; and
wherein a processor register file associated with the decoder receives the co-processor result in a same operation as the co-processor pipeline executes the decoded recognized instruction.

13. The processor of claim 12, wherein:
if a decoded instruction is recognized by the one of the plurality of first pipeline registers at the input and not recognized by the one of the plurality of second pipeline registers at the input, the first execution unit consumes a first amount of energy and the second execution unit consumes a second, lesser amount of energy during a time that the first execution unit is executing the stored instruction from the one of the plurality of first pipeline registers at the input; and
if a decoded instruction is recognized by the one of the plurality of second pipeline registers at the input and not recognized by the one of the plurality of first pipeline registers at the input, then the second execution unit consumes a first amount of energy and the first execution unit consumes a second, lesser amount of energy during a time that the second execution unit is executing the stored instruction from the one of the plurality of second pipeline registers at the input.

14. The processor of claim 12, wherein the co-processor pipeline includes:
a second decoder responsive to the recognized instruction passed from the decoder; and
an execution unit responsive to a decoded instruction from the second decoder.

15. The processor of claim 12, wherein at least one of the first execution unit or the second execution unit is a composite load/store execution unit operable to execute decoded load instructions and decoded store instructions in addition to decoded arithmetic logic unit (ALU) instructions.

16. The processor of claim 15, wherein the composite load/store execution unit is further operable to execute decoded shift operations.

17. The processor of claim 12, wherein:
the plurality of first pipeline registers and the plurality of second pipeline registers are in communication with one another.

18. The processor of claim 17, wherein the plurality of first pipeline registers and the plurality of second pipeline registers permit data to flow through a given execution unit that is executing a given decoded instruction without requiring data to flow through another execution unit not executing the given decoded instruction.

19. A processor, comprising:
a buffer to store an instruction;
a decoder responsive to the instruction stored in the buffer;
issue logic responsive to the decoder;
a first register file that stores one or more operands; and
a load/store execution pipeline including,
a load/store execution unit;
a functional unit; and
a co-processor pipeline having a co-processor decoder, a second register file that stores one or more operands and a plurality of execution units to receive the one or more operands from the second register file, wherein the decoder is operable to recognize an instruction to be processed by the co-processor pipeline and pass the recognized instruction to the co-processor decoder for decoding, a decoded recognized instruction being executed by plurality of execution units of the co-processor pipeline using the one or more operands stored in the second register file,

where the co-processor pipeline is configured to write a result associated with the executed instruction back to the first register file, and
where executing the decoded recognized instruction and writing the result associated with the executed instruction to the first register file are performed in a same operation.

20. The processor of claim 19, wherein the functional unit is one of an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a shifter, or a multiply and accumulate (MAC) unit.

21. The processor of claim 19, wherein the co-processor pipeline includes:
a second decoder responsive to the recognized instruction passed from the decoder; and
an execution unit responsive to a decoded instruction from a second decoder.

22. The processor of claim 19, further comprising:
a reorder buffer operable to receive the executed instructions from the co-processor pipeline, and write results associated with the executed instruction back to the first register file.

23. The processor of claim 19, where the co-processor pipeline is further configured to write the result to the second register file.

24. A pipeline processor architecture, comprising:
a base architecture including:
a decoder to decode an instruction and generate a decoded instruction;
a first register file that stores one or more operands;
issue logic to issue the decoded instruction; and
an execution unit operable to execute an issued instruction using one or more operands stored in the first register file, the execution unit including an execution pipeline stage; and

a co-processor pipeline having a co-processor decoder and a second different register file that stores one or more operands, wherein the decoder is operable to recognize an instruction to be processed by the co-processor pipeline and pass the recognized instruction to the co-processor decoder for decoding, the decoded recognized instruction being executed by the co-processor pipeline using the one or more operands stored in the second different register file and the co-processor pipeline being configured to write a result associated with the executed instruction back to the first register file, the co-processor pipeline including:
a second decoder to decode the recognized instruction passed from the decoder and generate a second decoded instruction; and
a plurality of second execution units operable to receive the one or more operands from the second register file, and execute the second decoded instruction using the one or more operands,

wherein executing the decoded recognized instruction and writing the result associated with the executed instruction to the first register file are performed in a same operation.

25. The pipeline processor architecture of claim 24, wherein the execution unit associated with the base architecture includes one pipeline register before and after each execution pipeline stage, each pipeline register being operable to separately receive data for a given execution stage without regard to whether data was received by other ones of the pipeline registers.

26. The pipeline processor architecture of claim 24, wherein the co-processor pipeline is further configured to write the result to the second register file.

27. A pipeline processor architecture, comprising:
a buffer to store an instruction;
a decoder to decode the instruction and generate a decoded instruction;
issue logic to issue the decoded instruction;
a plurality of input pipeline registers to respectively store a single issued instruction from the issue logic, each input pipeline register operable to latch data between a plurality of execution pipeline stages; and
a plurality of execution units corresponding to each of the plurality of input pipeline registers, each execution unit to execute a stored instruction from a respective one of the plurality of input pipeline registers, each of the plurality of execution units including the plurality of execution pipeline stages,
wherein issued instructions directly received by at least one execution unit are received in order;
wherein each of the plurality of execution pipeline stages includes a plurality of output pipeline registers,
wherein each execution unit includes one of the plurality of input pipeline registers at an input and one of the plurality of output pipeline registers at an output, the plurality of input pipeline registers and the plurality of output pipeline registers being different for each execution unit;
wherein each of the output pipeline registers and the plurality of input pipeline registers are in communication with one another;
wherein the decoder is operable to recognize an instruction to be processed by a co-processor pipeline and pass the recognized instruction to the co-processor pipeline to generate a co-processor result; and
wherein a processor register file associated with the decoder receives the co-processor result in a same operation as the co-processor pipeline executes the decoded recognized instruction.

28. A method of operation for a processor, the method comprising:
fetching an instruction during an instruction fetch stage associated with the processor;
decoding the fetched instruction and generating a corresponding decoded instruction during a decode stage associated with the processor;
issuing the decoded instruction and subsequent decoded instructions, in order, for execution based on a predetermined criterion, the decoded instruction being issued during an instruction issue stage associated with the processor;
storing the issued instruction by one of a plurality of input pipeline registers each operable to store a single issued instruction and to latch data between a plurality of execution pipeline stages;
executing, by one of a plurality of execution units, a first operation according to the stored instruction and the order each issued instruction is received from a corresponding one of the plurality of input pipeline registers;
storing a result of the first operation in one of a plurality of output pipeline registers disposed at an output of a corresponding execution unit, each execution unit having a different input pipeline register and a different output pipeline register; and
executing a second operation using the stored result,
where decoding the fetched instruction includes:
passing the fetched instruction to a co-processor for decoding and execution if the fetched instruction is a co-processor instruction; and
receiving a result of the co-processor instruction executed by the co-processor including receiving the result in a same operation as executing the co-processor instruction by the co-processor.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the plurality of input pipeline registers and the plurality of output pipeline registers are in communication with one another.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein issuing the decoded instruction for execution based on a predetermined criterion includes issuing the decoded instruction based on an availability of an execution unit.