Method and apparatus for speculative execution of uncontended lock instructions
US7529914B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 5, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 25, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/3842
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for executing lock instructions speculatively in an out-of-order processor are disclosed. In one embodiment, a prediction is made whether a given lock instruction will actually be contended. If not, then the lock instruction may be treated as having a normal load micro-operation which may be speculatively executed. Monitor logic may look for indications that the lock instruction is actually contended. If no such indications are found, the speculative load micro-operation and other micro-operations corresponding to the lock instruction may retire. However, if such indications are in fact found, the lock instruction may be restarted, and the prediction mechanism may be updated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.