Method and apparatus for accessing a register in a data processing system

U.S. Patent Number: 5388226

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accessing a register in a data processing system (10). In one form, the present invention uses a storage circuit (23) to act as a register copy (23) of the original register (33). An access to the register location may actually selectively access the original register (33), the register copy (23), or both the original register (33) and the register copy (23). Register select logic (70) is used to perform this selection function. Register select logic (70) may also be used to keep track of the current status of the contents of the original register (33) and of the contents of the register copy (23). Register select logic (70) may also monitor the internal state of data processing system (10).

Inventors: Gutierrez; Joseph A. (Austin, TX), Moyer; William C. (Dripping Springs, TX), Ho; Yui K. (Austin, TX), Or; Pee-Keong (Austin, TX)

Assignee: Motorola, Inc. (Schaumburg, IL)

Application Number: 07/956,194

Issued: 1995-02-07

Expired: 2007-02-07

Classes: 710/316

Field of search: 395/325,425,275,800,250 365/221

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