Method and apparatus for translating instructions of an ARM-type processor into instructions for a LX-type processor

摘要

A procedure for translating instructions belonging to a first instruction set that can be executed on a processor of the ARM type into instructions belonging to a second instruction set that can be executed on a processor of the LX type comprising a core provides a first set of registers corresponding to the instructions that can be executed on a processor of the ARM type and a second set of registers corresponding to the instructions that can be executed on a processor of the LX type. Each register of said first set is mapped in a corresponding register of said second set designed to emulate the behaviour of the first register, obtaining a unique independent translation of the data of said first instruction set into said second instruction set. Said translation is performed by means of a translation device external to the core of the processor of the LX type, said core remaining therefore unaltered, in particular with reference to its issue logic, and the translation operating in the absence of access to the resources of said core, by means of interception, by the translation device, of the accesses of the core to the storage area reserved to the ARM instructions. Preferential application is to an ST-200 LX microprocessor.