Abstract: A data processing apparatus and method are provided for executing a sequence of instructions including at least one multiple iteration instruction. The data processing apparatus comprises an instruction store for storing the sequence of instructions, and a processing unit for executing the sequence of instructions, the processing unit comprising at least a first processing path and a second processing path to enable at least two instructions of the sequence to be executed in parallel. When executing instructions in parallel, the first processing path executes an instruction which is earlier in the sequence than the instruction executing in the second processing path. The processing unit is operable when executing a multiple iteration instruction to allow a first iteration of the multiple iteration instruction to be executed in either the first processing path or the second processing path, but to cause all remaining iterations of the multiple iteration instruction to be executed in the first processing path.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus operable to sum data values said data processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of adder logic stages arranged in parallel with each other; control logic operable in response to receipt of a request to sum two data values to forward portions of said two data values to respective ones of said plurality of adder logic stages, such that a first adder logic stage receives a predetermined number of lowest significant bits from each of said two data values and subsequent adder logic stages receive said predetermined number of successively higher significant bits from each of said two data values, each of said plurality of adder logic stages being operable to perform a carry propagate addition of said received portions to generate an intermediate sum, a propagate value and a carry; and further logic stages operable to receive said intermediate sums, carries and propagate values generated from said plurality of adder logic stages and to combine said received intermediate sums, carries a