This document is the VU User's Manual published by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. in 2001. It describes the operational functions of the VPU (Vector Operation Unit), the configurations, differences, and operation modes of the VU.
This document describes the operational functions of the VU (Vector Unit) built into the PlayStation 2 Emotion Engine, covering both micro‑mode and macro‑mode operation. It includes detailed chapters on the VU architecture, data formats, instruction sets, and example programs.
The manual also provides reference tables for instruction throughput and latency, a glossary of terms, and an appendix with sample micro‑programs, serving as a comprehensive guide for developers working with the PlayStation 2 VU.
| Word size | 32 bits |
|---|---|
| Qword size | 128 bits |
| Slice size | 8 qwords or less |
VU stands for Vector operation unit, the core of the VPU in the PlayStation 2.
The PlayStation 2 contains two VPU units: VPU0 and VPU1.
A word is 32 bits long.