As all of you probably know, code morphing is the process through which a CPU converts a certain type of instructions (e.g., x86) into its own set of instructions. One CPU which uses this technology is the Crusoe of Transmeta.
Now is my question, would it be possible to allow such a code-morphing CPU to convert more than just one type of instructions, i.e., so that by 'flipping a switch', you can change it from an x86 compatible CPU into an IA-64 compatible CPU, or a G4 one?
Also, how far can one go with replacing transistors (hardware) with software? Performance aside, would it be possible to construct a CPU with only a minimum of transistors and further just software which would fulfill the functions of the 'left-out' transistors?
One last remark, although some of you will undoubtly have realized this by now: code morphing is a fascinating technology =)
Now is my question, would it be possible to allow such a code-morphing CPU to convert more than just one type of instructions, i.e., so that by 'flipping a switch', you can change it from an x86 compatible CPU into an IA-64 compatible CPU, or a G4 one?
Also, how far can one go with replacing transistors (hardware) with software? Performance aside, would it be possible to construct a CPU with only a minimum of transistors and further just software which would fulfill the functions of the 'left-out' transistors?
One last remark, although some of you will undoubtly have realized this by now: code morphing is a fascinating technology =)