Load–store unit

In computer engineering, a load–store unit (LSU) is a specialized execution unit responsible for executing all load and store instructions, generating virtual addresses of load and store operations^[1][2][3] and loading data from memory or storing it back to memory from registers.^[4]

This article's factual accuracy may be compromised due to out-of-date information. (March 2017)

The load–store unit usually includes a queue which acts as a waiting area for memory instructions, and the unit itself operates independently of other processor units.^[4]

Load–store units may also be used in vector processing, and in such cases the term "load–store vector" may be used.^[5]

Some load–store units are also capable of executing simple fixed-point and/or integer operations.