Branch encoding before instruction cache write
US7487334B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 2005 |
| Grant date | Feb 3, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/382
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Method, system and computer program product for determining the targets of branches in a data processing system. A method for determining the target of a branch in a data processing system includes performing at least one pre-calculation relating to determining the target of the branch prior to writing the branch into a Level 1 (L1) cache to provide a pre-decoded branch, and then writing the pre-decoded branch into the L1 cache. By pre-calculating matters relating to the targets of branches before the branches are written into the L1 cache, for example, by re-encoding relative branches as absolute branches, a reduction in branch redirect delay can be achieved, thus providing a substantial improvement in overall processor performance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.