Motion Video Instruction Extensions for Alpha

The Alpha architecture[1] has added several new instructions called Motion Video Instructions (MVI) that can be used to accelerate the performance of key algorithms used in emerging motion video technologies. The criteria for selecting these new instructions are based on the fundamental premise that it is important to keep the Alpha architecture “clean” in order to facilitate extremely fast circuit implementations of the architecture. In order to be added, a new instructions must passed two critical tests: the benefits provided must span multiple generations; and, the benefits must be material.