Instruction methods for performing data formatting while moving data

Abstract

Instruction methods for moving data between memory and a vector register file while performing data formatting. The methods are processed by a processor having a vector register file and a memory unit. The methods are useful in the graphics art because they allow more efficient movement and processing of raster formatted graphics data. The vector register file has a number of vector registers (e.g., 32) that each contain multi-bits of storage (e.g., 128 bits). In one class of instructions, eight byte locations within memory are simultaneously loaded into eight separate 16 bit locations within a register of the register file. The data can be integer or fraction and signed or unsigned. The data can also be stored from the register file back to memory. In a second class of instructions, alternate locations of a memory qaudword are selected and simultaneously loaded in the register file. In a third class, data is obtained across a word boundary by a first instruction that obtains a first part and a second instruction that obtains the remainder part crossing the boundary. In a last class of instruction transfers, a block (e.g., 8 16-bit.times.8 16-bit) of data is loaded from memory, stored in the register file and stored back into memory causing a transposition of the data block (16 cycles). A block (e.g., 8 16-bit.times.8 16-bit) of data is stored from the register file to memory, and loaded back into the register file causing a transposition of the data block (16 cycles).