Branch predictor using multiple prediction heuristics and a heur

Details Branch predictor using multiple prediction heuristics and a heur Branch predictor using multiple prediction heuristics and a heur

1995-04-28

1997-11-11

Eng, David Y.

G06F 940

Patent

active

056873603

ABSTRACT:
In a computer program, a branch instruction selects a prediction heuristic from a plurality of prediction heuristics for predicting whether the branch will be taken during execution of the program by a computer. A current pattern comprises a number of consecutive identical branch decisions for the instruction. A prior pattern comprises a number of consecutive identical prior branch decisions for the instruction, the prior branch decisions occurring prior to the branch decisions comprised by the current pattern. The selected prediction heuristic generates a branch prediction using the current pattern and the prior pattern. The selected prediction heuristic is identified by adding profiling instructions to the program to compute history information for the branch instruction. The profiling instructions input the branch history information to a plurality of prediction heuristics, and each prediction heuristic outputs a prediction of whether the branch instruction will be taken. The program is executed with a sample data set, and the output of each prediction heuristic is compared to the branch decision for the instruction to identify which heuristic most accurately predicts the branch decision for the branch instruction.

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