The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 06, 1999
Filed:
Apr. 02, 1996
Christopher J Yard, Austin, TX (US);
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., , US;
Abstract
A microprocessor configured to detect subroutine call instructions having a target address indicative of a DSP function is provided. The detection of such instructions may be performed, for example, in an instruction decode unit within the microprocessor. Subroutine call instructions detected in this manner are routed to a digital signal processor coupled near the microprocessor or possibly integrated into the microprocessor. The microprocessor may be configured to store an indication that the DSP is enabled. If the DSP is not enabled, then the microprocessor executes the original routines stored at the target address of the instruction. Although the routines may not be as efficient in performing the DSP function, the program employing the function may still operate properly in the absence of the DSP. In this manner, a computer system may initially operate without the DSP included. If a user later decides to upgrade the computer system with a DSP, then the microprocessor may dispatch DSP functions to the DSP. Until the upgrade occurs, the microprocessor may execute the functions.