Synchronization of execution threads on multithreaded processors

摘要

A method and apparatus are provided for synchronising execution of a plurality of threads on a multi-threaded processor. Each thread is provided with a number of synchronisation points and execution of a thread is paused when it reaches a synchronisation point. It then waits for at least one other thread with which it is intended to be synchronised to reach a corresponding synchronisation point before resuming execution. A thread which branches over a section of code which includes a synchronisation point is paused at the end of the branch until at least one other thread reaches the synchronisation point or the end of the branch.