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 a move instruction of the single instruction type moves the parameter from the register file to the functional unit via the bus; and wherein, upon receiving the parameter, the functional unit performs an operation using the parameter.