Introduction :
If in microprocessor chip, new circuitry can be added with special purpose to
perform special tasks or to perform operations on numbers in order to offload the
work of the core CPU. The CPU can then work faster.
We may use a conveyor belt to do some extra work while motor is running. So , the
motor is more effectively utilized. Similarly, supplementary processor, i.e., a co-
processor handles the mathematical part of the work when we run complex
applications.
What is a coprocessor ?
A co-processor is many times referred as a Math Processor. As the coprocessor
performs routine mathematical tasks, the core processor is freed up from this
computation and its time is saved. By taking specialized processing tasks from
core CPU, coprocessor reduces the strain on the main microprocessor, so that it
can run at a greater speed.
A coprocessor can perform special tasks like complex mathematical calculations
or graphical display processing. They perform such jobs faster than core CPU. As
a result, overall computer speed of the system increases.
To an ARM processor, we can attach the coprocessors. A coprocessor when
added, we need to expand instruction set of Core CPU or add configurable
registers, to increase the processing power. The coprocessor interface permits a
couple of coprocessor to be connected to the ARM CPU.
How does coprocessor work?
Coprocessors assists the system in running more efficiently by offloading specific
tasks of the CPU. They can be
1. Independent type –
It work in an asynchronous manner with the CPU . Whenever it performs any
task/ some calculations, that is not synchronized with the CPU. Co-processor can
take decisions independently here. CPU can then do its own work without
worrying about co-processor’s work. Instead of synchronously waiting, CPU that
issued the request is freed up to perform another task.
2. Direct control type –
Direct control type such as floating-point units – controlled by coprocessor’s
instructions that are CPU instruction set’s part. The CPU that initiated the request
waits or checks until co-processor completes operation. The coprocessor is not
independent here & is governed or controlled by the main CPU. CPU &
coprocessor works in synchronization here.
The processor is designed and implemented in manner so that it can send, both data
and instructions to several coprocessors. These coprocessors are designed to perform
in coordination with the core and are pipelined in the identical manner.
By adding a new set of specialized instructions, coprocessor can expand instruction
set . For example, to handle vector floating-point (VFP) operations, a series of
specialized instructions can be added to the normal ARM instruction set. When the
instruction is decoded and it is encountered as coprocessor instruction, that
instruction is passed on to the appropriate coprocessor. However, if the coprocessor
isn’t present or doesn’t find instruction in its instruction set, an undefined instruction
exception is thrown by ARM.
Properties of Coprocessor :
1. Without primary microprocessor, coprocessor cannot function.
2. Main processor has to identify and segregate computationally intensive
instructions in a program.
3. The instructions which have an intensive amount of calculations are performed
by coprocessor.
4. The main processor handles all other activities.
Functionalities of a Coprocessor :
Coprocessors are incapable of retrieving instructions from memory, managing
memory, executing instructions(flow control types) directly, performing I/O
operations, etc.
The coprocessor relies on the host (main) processor to retrieve coprocessor
instructions and take care of all other operations not related to the coprocessor.
A coprocessor is not the main processor of the system.
Coprocessor can perform : Floating point arithmetic operations such as addition,
subtraction, multiplication, Calculating the square root of the given number,
estimating the logarithmic value of the given number etc. (for float point
values) , or signal, string, graphical processing or encryption/decryption etc.
Coprocessors enable a computer customization , so the clients do not need to pay
if they do not require the additional performance.
Example – Intel 8087 Coprocessor :
The Intel 8087 was first math co-processor suited for operations of 16 bit. It was
built to be paired with the Intel 8086 Microprocessor. Its main purpose was to
decrease time required by the applications to give output (that require high floating
point computations).
Intel 8087 co-processor supports :
Integer
BCD
Single Precision floating point number
Double Precision floating-point number
Extended precision ( 80 bit) floating-point number
The diagram shows the connectivity of a co-processor with 8086 Microprocessor.
