Using a single-instruction processor to process messages

摘要

The disclosed embodiments describe single-instruction processors that operates upon messages received from a network interface. A single-instruction processor comprises a register file, a functional unit, a bus connecting the register file and the functional unit, and a format decoder that receives messages from a network interface. This single-instruction processor supports a single instruction type (e.g., a “move instruction”) that specifies operands to be transferred via the bus. During operation, the format decoder is configured to write a parameter from a received message to the register file. A move instruction moves this parameter from the register file to the functional unit via the bus. The functional unit then uses the parameter to perform an operation.

主权项

1. A single-instruction processor, comprising:
a register file; a functional unit; a bus connecting the register file and the functional unit; and a format decoder that is configured to receive messages from a network interface; wherein the format decoder is configured to write a parameter from a received message to the register file; wherein the single-instruction processor supports a single instruction type that specifies operands to be transferred via the bus, wherein the single instruction type comprises:
a first field that specifies a first source address in the register file for a first input operand;a second field that specifies a first destination functional unit for the first input operand;a third field that specifies a second source address in the register file for a second input operand;a fourth field that specifies a second destination functional unit for the second input operand;a fifth field that specifies a source functional unit for an output operand; anda sixth field that specifies a destination address in the register file for the output operand; wherein a move instruction of the single instruction type moves the parameter from the register file to the functional unit via the bus, wherein the move instruction moves the first input operand to a first port of the functional unit while simultaneously moving the second input operand to at least one of a second port of the functional unit or another functional unit and moving an output generated by at least one of the functional unit or another functional unit to the register file; and wherein, upon receiving the parameter, the functional unit performs an operation using the parameter.