Register file organization to share process context for heterogeneous multiple processors or joint processor

摘要

A register file organization is used to support multiple accesses from more than one processor or pipeline. This shared register file is organized for a multiple processor device that includes a high performance (HP) and a low power (LP) core. The shared register file includes separate HP and LP storage units coupled to separate HP and LP write and read ports.

主权项

1. A multi-core device comprising:
a high performance (HP) core; a low performance (LP) core; and a shared register circuit coupled between said HP and LP cores and comprising
a HP write port coupled to the HP core,a LP write port coupled to the LP core,a HP storage unit coupled to the HP write port, anda LP storage unit coupled to the LP write port, wherein when in a LP mode, said HP core is idle, and all write operations from said LP core are stored in said LP storage unit, wherein when in a HP mode, said LP core is idle, and all write operations from said HP core are stored in both said HP and LP storage units, and wherein when transitioning from the LP mode to the HP mode, the stored data in said LP storage unit is copied to said HP storage unit.