Abstract: A virtual architecture and instruction set support explicit parallel-thread computing. The virtual architecture defines a virtual processor that supports concurrent execution of multiple virtual threads with multiple levels of data sharing and coordination (e.g., synchronization) between different virtual threads, as well as a virtual execution driver that controls the virtual processor. A virtual instruction set architecture for the virtual processor is used to define behavior of a virtual thread and includes instructions related to parallel thread behavior, e.g., data sharing and synchronization. Using the virtual platform, programmers can develop application programs in which virtual threads execute concurrently to process data; virtual translators and drivers adapt the application code to particular hardware on which it is to execute, transparently to the programmer.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for executing conditional computer instructions in an efficient manner that reduces bubbles and idle states. In one embodiment, dual-function instruction execution is disclosed where the dual-function instruction has two possible functions (or operations), the choice of which is controlled by a predicate value with a true or false value. Among other things, the disclosed techniques provide dynamic control for choosing which operation to execute leading to more efficiently executed code.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems are presented for updating data in memory while executing multiple threads of instructions, involving receiving a single instruction from one of a plurality of concurrently executing threads of instructions, in response to the single instruction received, reading data from a specific memory location, performing an operation involving the data read from the memory location to generate a result, and storing the result to the specific memory location, without requiring separate load and store instructions, and in response to the single instruction received, precluding another one of the plurality of threads of instructions from altering data at the specific memory location while reading of the data from the specific memory location, performing the operation involving the data, and storing the result to the specific memory location.

Abstract: A virtual architecture and instruction set support explicit parallel-thread computing. The virtual architecture defines a virtual processor that supports concurrent execution of multiple virtual threads with multiple levels of data sharing and coordination (e.g., synchronization) between different virtual threads, as well as a virtual execution driver that controls the virtual processor. A virtual instruction set architecture for the virtual processor is used to define behavior of a virtual thread and includes instructions related to parallel thread behavior, e.g., data sharing and synchronization. Using the virtual platform, programmers can develop application programs in which virtual threads execute concurrently to process data; virtual translators and drivers adapt the application code to particular hardware on which it is to execute, transparently to the programmer.