Quick predictor override and update by a BTAC
US11995447B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 2020 |
| Grant date | May 28, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 19, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/3806
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A quick predictor override system and method for a microprocessor that enables a correction to a quick predictor, branch prediction by a branch target address cache (BTAC), and rapid update to the quick predictor. For example, the microprocessor includes a quick predictor that provides branch prediction based on a local pattern history, and a large predictor in the form of the BTAC, which provides for branch prediction using a global pattern history. Branch prediction by the BTAC is the prevailing prediction if different, for a fetched cache address, than the branch prediction by the smaller, quick predictor. Accordingly, the target and direction for conditional branches provided by the BTAC for fetching the next cache instruction are used in favor of the target and direction previously provided by the quick predictor, and the quick predictor is quickly updated with the target and direction from the BTAC during a BTAC stage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.