Co-processor supporting architecture adapted to a processor which does not natively support co-processing

摘要

A co-processor (11) works in conjunction with a primary processor (14) which does not natively support co-processing. In a memory which provides instructions for the primary processor (14), parameters for use by the co-processor (11) are embedded within the instructions. This is done by placing the parameters in fields which are unused by the primary processor (14). When the primary processor (14) accesses the local memory (10), the addresses generated by the primary processor (14) are monitored by the co-processor (11). When the co-processor (11) detects a pre-determined combination within an address generated by the primary processor (14), the co-processor (11) accesses the data sent from the local memory (10) to the primary processor (14). The co-processor (11) then extracts the parameters embedded within the unused fields of the accessed data. <IMAGE>