Method for performing data type operations on different register files that logically appear as single register file

摘要

A method and apparatus for executing different sets of instructions that cause a processor to perform different data type operations on different physical registers files that logically appear to software as a single aliased register file. According to one aspect of the invention, a processor is provided that includes at least two physical register files-one for executing scalar data type operations and the other for executing packed data type operations. In addition, the processor includes a transition unit that is configured to cause the two physical register files to logically appear to software executing on the processor as a single logical register file.