COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXECUTING CONTEXTS WITH AUTONOMOUS FUNCTIONAL UNITS

摘要

In a pipelined element configured to execute multiple contexts and including an instruction pipeline and a plurality of context modules each having a register file and a functional unit, a method includes scheduling a first context for execution in the instruction pipeline. The instruction pipeline includes an execution unit having a plurality of functional units. Each functional unit of the plurality of functional units is configured to execute instructions of a scheduled context of the plurality of contexts. A first instruction of the first context which precedes an instruction loop of the first context is executed. In response to executing the first instruction, the first context is released from being scheduled for execution in the instruction pipeline and execution of the first context is continued using a first context module. The first context module includes a context-specific functional unit configured to execute the instruction loop.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
in a pipelined processing system configured to execute multiple contexts, wherein the pipelined processing system includes an instruction pipeline, a plurality of context modules, each context module having a register file and a functional unit, scheduling a first context for execution in the instruction pipeline, wherein the instruction pipeline includes an execution unit having a plurality of functional units, wherein each functional unit of the plurality of functional units is configured to execute instructions of a scheduled context of the plurality of contexts; executing a first instruction of the first context which precedes an instruction loop of the first context; and in response to executing the first instruction, releasing the first context from being scheduled for execution in the instruction pipeline and continuing execution of the first context using a first context module, wherein the first context module includes a context-specific functional unit configured to execute the instruction loop.