Conference turris::alpha_callstd

110.0. "WNT and UNIX text re Byte vs Longword Granularity" by GEMGRP::BRENDER (Ron Brender) Fri Feb 07 1997 14:34

			WNT and UNIX Editorial Change

Abstract
--------

Granularity requirements are restated in light of byte and word instructions.


Proposal
--------

In the WNT Call Standard, Section 4.2.2, page 4-10 (Jan 1997)...
In the UNIX Call Standard, Section 4.2.2, page 4-14 (Mar 1996)...

    ...The first sentence, which reads

	On the Alpha architecture, memory is byte addressable but the smallest
	unit in which memory may be accessed (the granularity) is a longword.

    ...has become dated. Replace it with the following:

	On the Alpha architecture, memory is byte addressable and the smallest
	unit in which memory may be accessed (the granularity) is a byte.
	However, the original Alpha architecture, and thus many existing Alpha
	processors, provided only longword granularity.

    ...the rest of the paragraph/section is unchanged.


Discussion
----------

I believe this change is purely editorial, seeking to bring the documents upto
date regarding newer Alpha processors that support the Alpha byte and word
instructions. While the premise for favoring quadword granularity has shifted,
the recommended practice is unchanged.

As an editorial change, I will not seek the formally of a vote. However, I
am open to suggestiosn for other alternatives that might perhaps be considered.

Note FWIW: The VMS Call Standard does not a corresponding section regarding
granularity at all. I expect to let it stay that way.