Correlation-based branch prediction in digital computers
US5553253A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 1994 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/3848
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Method and apparatus for predicting the outcome of branch instructions subject to execution in a multiple processor digital computer. Pipelining is a popular technique to accelerate the data processing rate of modern computers, and in particular the RISC architecture class of workstations. Accurate prediction of branch instructions is exceptionally important to the efficient use of pipelines, in that erroneous predictions require both the purge and reload of all affected processor pipelines. According to the present invention, branch prediction is based upon a correlation between a history of successive prior branches and a specified branch instruction. In a preferred practice, a branch prediction table is created. The fields in the table are derived and thereafter updated based upon the correlated combination of outcomes from prior branches and the branch address under consideration.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.