Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

The present invention supports vector-processor instructions that allow a programmer to specify the size and location of a particular vector element stored in a vector register. A mask generator circuit includes a mask-selector circuit, an index circuit, and a left shifter. The mask-selector circuit decodes a portion of the vector instruction indicating vector-element size and selects a mask appropriate for selecting an element of that size. The index circuit decodes both the vector-size information and that portion of the vector instruction indicating the location of the particular vector element to be masked. The index circuit uses this information to determine the number of places (the 'shift count') that the mask must be shifted to correspond to the selected vector element. The shifter, upon receiving the mask and the shift count, shifts the mask by the shift count and provides the resulting output signal to the vector processor. This output signal is then used to select only the vector element specified.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim