Patent attributes
An execution unit comprising a processing pipeline configured to perform calculations to evaluate a plurality of mathematical functions. The processing pipeline comprises a plurality of stages through which each calculation for evaluating a mathematical function progresses to an end result. Each of a plurality of processing circuits in the pipeline is configured to perform an operation on input values during at least one stage of the plurality of stages. The plurality of processing circuits include multiplier circuits. A first multiplier circuit and a second multiplier circuit are configured to operate in parallel, such that at the same stage in the processing pipeline, the first multiplier circuit and the second multiplier circuit perform their processing. A third multiplier circuit is arranged in series with the first multiplier circuit and the second multiplier circuit and processes outputs from the first multiplier circuit and the second multiplier circuit.
