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Static branch prediction mechanism for conditional branch instructions

  • US 6,571,331 B2
  • Filed: 04/03/2001
  • Issued: 05/27/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/18/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An apparatus in a microprocessor for performing branch prediction, comprising:

  • a static branch predictor, configured to provide a predicted outcome for a branch instruction, and configured to determine if said branch instruction is a biased outcome conditional branch instruction;

    a mandatory signal, produced by said static branch predictor, configured to indicate whether or not said branch instruction is said biased outcome conditional branch instruction, thereby indicating whether or not said predicted outcome takes precedence over a dynamic branch prediction for said branch instruction; and

    a biased prediction correlator, coupled to said static branch predictor and said mandatory signal, configured to receive said predicted outcome, said mandatory signal, and said dynamic branch prediction, and configured to favor said dynamic branch prediction over said predicted outcome, wherein, if said mandatory signal indicates that said branch instruction is said biased outcome conditional branch instruction, then said biased prediction correlator favors said predicted outcome over said dynamic branch prediction.

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