Method and apparatus to handle window management instructions without post serialization in an out of order multi-issue processor supporting multiple strands

摘要

A method and apparatus for handling window management instructions without post serialization in an out-of-order multi-issue processor includes an instruction decode unit arranged to decode the window management instruction. A plurality of register windows are indexed by a current window pointer, and a working copy of the current window pointer is stored in a register in the instruction decode unit. The instruction decode unit uses the working copy of the current window pointer to handle the window management instruction.