Branch prediction using multiple versions of history data
US9983878B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 15, 2014 |
| Grant date | May 29, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/3861
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Branch prediction is provided by generating a first index from a previous instruction address and from a first branch history vector having a first length. A second index is generated from the previous instruction address and from a second branch history vector that is longer than the first vector. Using the first index, a first branch prediction is retrieved from a first branch prediction table. Using the second index, a second branch prediction is retrieved from a second branch prediction table. Based upon additional branch history data, the first branch history vector and the second branch history vector are updated. A first hash value is generated from a current instruction address and the updated first branch history vector. A second hash value is generated from the current instruction address and the updated second branch history vector. One of the branch predictions are selected based upon the hash values.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.