Importance

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Abstract

A structure and method for using variable length instructions in an instruction register having a fixed word boundary. The instruction register accommodates a first word and a second word. The first word has a first base instruction and a first flexible instruction aligned with first and second predetermined positions, respectively, in the instruction register. The second word has a second base instruction and a second flexible instruction aligned with third and fourth predetermined positions, respectively, in the instruction register. The first and second base instructions and the first and second flexible instructions each have a fixed length. The first base instruction can (1) stand alone as an independent instruction, (2) be combined with the first flexible instruction to form a once-extended instruction, or (3) be combined with the first and second flexible instructions to form a twice-extended instruction. The second base instruction can (1) stand alone as an independent instruction, (2) be combined with the second flexible instruction to form a once-extended instruction, or (3) be combined with the first and second flexible instructions to form a twice-extended instruction. If the first and/or second flexible instructions are not combined with the first or second base instructions, they are used as flexible independent instructions.

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First Claim