DP · CPU ontology dimension

Datapath

The datapath is the CPU's working body: register files, execution units, internal buses, operand paths, bypasses, and result writeback.

operands -> functional units -> results -> architectural state

Word Width

4/8-bit

Small word machines where bus cycles, accumulator structure, and memory access dominate.

16/32-bit

General-purpose scalar datapaths broad enough for operating systems and richer address spaces.

64-bit

Wide integer and address paths suited to large memory, servers, workstations, and modern clients.

Vector Wide

SIMD or vector units where many data lanes operate per instruction.

State Shape

Accumulator

A small implicit state center simplifies hardware but constrains scheduling.

Register File

Many named registers give compilers and hardware room to keep values near execution units.

Renamed Physical Registers

Out-of-order cores map architectural names onto a larger physical register pool.

Stack / Windowed

Special state organizations optimize calls, expression evaluation, or context switching.