Abstract: A method for comparing bit field contents for bit fields comprising less than a full complement of the source is provided. The method includes creating a mask covering the bit field in the source, setting bit positions within the mask that are outside the bit field in the source to predetermined values, combining the source against the mask to form an intermediate result, and comparing bits in the intermediate result to provide a final result. Alternately, the method may form a mask, combining the bit field with a comparison value to form an intermediate value, and perform a combined function using the mask to select bits from the intermediate value, or fixed zero or one values, and comparing this result with zero.

Abstract: A method for comparing bit field contents for bit fields comprising less than a full complement of the source is provided. The method includes creating a mask covering the bit field in the source, setting bit positions within the mask that are outside the bit field in the source to predetermined values, combining the source against the mask to form an intermediate result, and comparing bits in the intermediate result to provide a final result. Alternately, the method may form a mask, combining the bit field with a comparison value to form an intermediate value, and perform a combined function using the mask to select bits from the intermediate value, or fixed zero or one values, and comparing this result with zero.

Abstract: A method for coding a switch based on a variable is provided. The method includes copying a nonzero bit from a setting register to a corresponding bit in a rotating predicate register by moving said bit into the rotating predicate register, and performing a single case function computation based on the corresponding bit in the rotating predicate register. Alternately, the method may comprise using a register rename base value modulo summed with a virtual predicate file to rename the predicate register. In certain conditions, the design may include testing values being moved into the static predicate or rotating predicate register to determine whether the value exceeds an acceptable range.