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Register File

Concept

A register file is the processor component/model element that holds the architecturally visible registers. In architectural-state descriptions it is typically grouped with status flags and the program counter, and instruction semantics read and update it through next-state functions or helper macros such as write_reg.

First seen 5/25/2026
Last seen 6/9/2026
Evidence 17 chunks
Wiki v2

WIKI

Definition

A register file is the set of processor registers represented in an architectural model. In architectural-style processor descriptions, the architectural state is commonly modeled as a user-defined record that combines the register file with other state such as status flags and the program counter. This architectural state corresponds to the programmer-visible view of the design. [Register file as architectural state]

Use in instruction semantics

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NEIGHBORHOOD

5 nodes · 6 edges
graph · Register File · depth=1

RELATIONSHIPS

8 connections
Interface Model ← uses 100% 2e
The interface model provides API for register file access
Architectural State part of → 100% 2e
The register file is a component of the architectural state.
Synthesizing Instruction Selection Rewrite Rules from RTL using SMT ← mentions 90% 2e
The paper discusses register files as programmable states in architecture formalization.
Instruction Execution Unit ← uses 90% 2e
The instruction execution unit interacts with the register file
write_reg macro ← uses 100% 2e
The write_reg macro updates the register file entries.
Instruction Set Architecture ← mentions 90% 1e
The ISA includes a register file as part of its architectural state.
Y86-64 part of → 100% 1e
The Y86-64 ISA includes a register file with 15 program registers.
Instruction Set Simulator part of → 90% 1e
An ISS contains a register file with registers including CSRs.

LINKED ENTITIES

2 links
write_reg macro USES Extracted graph relationship
Architectural State PART_OF Extracted graph relationship

CITATIONS

7 sources
7 citations — click to expand
[1] Register file as architectural state Generating an Efficient Instruction Set Simulator from a Complete Property Suite
[2] Next-state register update Generating an Efficient Instruction Set Simulator from a Complete Property Suite
[3] write_reg behavior Generating an Efficient Instruction Set Simulator from a Complete Property Suite
[4] Pipeline abstraction Generating an Efficient Instruction Set Simulator from a Complete Property Suite
[5] ISS generation Generating an Efficient Instruction Set Simulator from a Complete Property Suite
[6] Register file sizes Generating an Efficient Instruction Set Simulator from a Complete Property Suite
[7] GPU register-file considerations A GPU Register File using Static Data Compression; GREENER: A Tool for Improving Energy Efficiency of Register Files