Abstract:
A microprocessor is provided having improved performance and characterized in the use of dynamic branch prediction, a unified cache debug unit, a 64 bit right only barrel shifter, a predictive pre-fetch memory pipeline and customizable processor extensions.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus adapted for enhancing the throughput of a digital processor (e.g., microprocessor, CISC device, or RISC device) through use of a direct memory access (DMA) mechanism. In one embodiment, the processor comprises a "soft" RISC-based processor core that is both user-extensible and user-configurable. The core comprises a functional process or unit (DMA assist) that is coupled to the processor's extension logic and which facilitates throughput by, among other things, ensuring that the CPU and processor extension logic can operate on data in parallel in an efficient manner. In one variant, a parallel datapath (including a buffer) is used in conjunction with the aforementioned DMA assist so as to permit the processor extension logic to efficiently operate in parallel with the CPU.
Abstract:
A microprocessor is provided having improved performance and characterized in the use of dynamic branch prediction, a unified cache debug unit, a 64 bit right only barrel shifter, a predictive pre-fetch memory pipeline and customizable processor extensions.
Abstract:
A real-time video encoder is disclosed that changes video encoding processes to produce the best quality encoded video whilst maintaining a target encoding frame rate, according to one or more operating constraints. The systems and methods described here overcome the inflexibility of existing video encoders by providing best encoded picture quality during any system resource or picture characteristic variations. This is achieved by checking encoding progress regularly throughout an encode sequence, including checking encoding progress within a macroblock or intra -macroblock, and automatically adapting the encoder's use of encoding tools according to actual achieved encoding progress. No specific knowledge of, or measurement of, changes in system resources or picture characteristics is required.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for adaptive encoding of data such as for example video data. In one exemplary embodiment, a real-time video encoder is disclosed that changes video encoding processes to produce the best quality encoded video whilst maintaining a target encoding frame rate, according to one or more operating constraints.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus adapted for enhancing the throughput of a digital processor (e.g., microprocessor, CISC device, or RISC device) through use of a direct memory access (DMA) mechanism. In one embodiment, the processor comprises a "soft" RISC-based processor core that is both user-extensible and user-configurable. The core comprises a functional process or unit (DMA assist) that is coupled to the processor's extension logic and which facilitates throughput by, among other things, ensuring that the CPU and processor extension logic can operate on data in parallel in an efficient manner. In one variant, a parallel datapath (including a buffer) is used in conjunction with the aforementioned DMA assist so as to permit the processor extension logic to efficiently operate in parallel with the CPU.
Abstract:
Inter-processor communication systems and methods that define within the instruction set of the microprocessor a command for directing the microprocessor to relinquish control over at least one of the microprocessor's internal registers. The microprocessor may then signal a communication interface that collects data from external sources. The communication interface takes control over the internal register released by the microprocessor and inputs the collected external data directly into the internal register of the microprocessor. Once data is place into the internal register, control of that register may be returned to the microprocessor.