(19)

(11)

EP 0 927 391 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 07.07.1999 Bulletin 1999/27 (21) Application number: 97937703.0 (22) Date of filing: 22.08.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  G06F 7/ 48( . ) G06F 9/ 302( . ) G06F 9/ 30( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/GB1997/002260 (87) International publication number: WO 1998/012627 (26.03.1998 Gazette 1998/12)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB IT NL (30) Priority: 23.09.1996 GB 19960019826 (71) Applicant: ARM Limited Cherry Hinton, Cambridge CB1 4JN (GB)	(72) Inventors: JAGGAR, David, Vivian Cambridge CB1 4TN (GB) GLASS, Simon, James Cambridge CB1 5YH (GB) (74) Representative: Robinson, Nigel Alexander Julian  D. Young & Co., 21 New Fetter Lane London EC4A 1DA London EC4A 1DA (GB)