Pre-processed operand data buffer

Abstract

Execution circuitry executes, in response to an instruction referencing a given source register of a register file, a data processing operation on pre-processed operand data obtained after a pre-processing action has been performed using stored operand data from the given source register of the register file. A buffer separate from the register file stores pre-processed operand data corresponding to a subset of registers. Register reuse detection circuitry detects a register reuse opportunity for a subsequent instruction referencing a reused source register also referenced by a previous instruction for which pre-processed operand data corresponding to the reused source register was written to the buffer, when it is guaranteed that no intervening instruction will cause a write to the reused source register. In response to detecting the register reuse opportunity, the data processing operation for the subsequent instruction can be performed using the pre-processed operand data stored in the buffer corresponding to the reused source register, and the pre-processing action is suppressed in relation to stored operand data from the reused source register.