A method and apparatus for obtaining a scalar value from a vector register
for use in a mixed vector and scalar instruction, including providing a
vector in a vector register file, and embedding a location identifier of
the scalar value within the vector in the bits defining the mixed vector
and scalar instruction. The scalar value can be used directly from the
vector register without the need to load the scalar to a scalar register
prior to executing the instruction. The scalar location identifier may be
embedded in the secondary op code of the instruction, or the instruction
may have dedicated bits for providing the location of the scalar within
the vector.