Apparatus and method for branch prediction where data for predictions is selected from a count in a branch history table or a bias in a branch target buffer
US7055023B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 6, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/3848
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for branch prediction includes a history register which stores therein history of previous branch instructions, an index generation circuit which generates a first index from an instruction address and the history stored in the history register, a history table which stores therein a portion of the instruction address as a tag and a first value indicative of likelihood of branching in association with the first index, a branch destination buffer which stores therein a branch destination address or predicted branch destination address of an instruction indicated by the instruction address and a second value indicative of likelihood of branching in association with a second index that is at least a portion of the instruction address, and a selection unit which makes a branch prediction by selecting one of the first value and the second value.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.