Abstract: A block MOVE instruction allows a programmer to issue an instruction to a loosely coupled system bus controller, thereby facilitating the execution of a memory to memory move of multiple data entries, utilizing a burst mode transfer onto the system bus for both reads and writes. The instruction allows the programmer to fully utilize the maximum bus bandwidth of the system bus for memory to memory transfers of data (e.g. DMA, block moves, memory page initialization) and transfers of instructions/data to detached coprocessors.

Abstract: A data processor having a serialization attribute on a page basis is provided. A set of page descriptors and transparent translation registers encode the serialization attribute as a cache mode. The data processor is a pipelined machine, having at least two function units, which operate independently of each other. The function units issues requests, for access to information stored in an external memory, to an access controller. The access controller serves as an arbitration mechanism, and grants the requests of the function units in accordance with the issuance order of the requests by the function units. When the memory access is marked serialized in the page descriptor, an access controller postpones the serialized access, until the completion of all pending memory accesses in the instruction sequence. All pending requests are then completed in a predetermined order, independent of the issuance order of the requests made by the function units, and all appropriate exception processing is completed.

Abstract: A numeric data processor having an execution unit adapted to efficiently execute the complete set of floating point operations recommended by the IEEE Standard for Binary Floating-Point Arithmetic, ANSI/IEEE Std. 754-1985, in full compliance therewith. The numeric data processor is also adapted to evaluate a large set of transcendental functions, including trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential, consistent with the IEEE Standard, without requiring a "software envelope." In the processor, special hybrid forms of Volder's CORDIC digital approximator and Meggitt's digital approximator are implemented in a manner so as to require minimal additions or modifications to the form of the execution unit which is otherwise required just to execute the standard floating point operations.

Abstract: A system for interfacing a Processor to a Coprocessor using standard bus cycles. The Processor, upon encountering in its instruction stream an instruction having a particular Operation word format, will transfer a Command word following the Operation word to a particular Coprocessor designated by a Coprocessor Identity field in the Operation word. Upon decoding the Command word, the Coprocessor will respond with any of a set of response primitives which define functions which the Coprocessor requires to Processor to perform in support of the Command by the Coprocessor. The interface provides for all functions which the Coprocessor may require, including selective vectoring to appropriate exception handlers.