Patent ID: 6157998
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for performing branch prediction and resolution, the method comprising the steps of:fetching a plurality of computer instructions, each of the plurality of computer instructions being associated with a plurality of stream identifier bits having bit positions, the plurality of computer instructions being program ordered;determining at least one computer instruction that is an unresolved branch instruction within the plurality of computer instructions;assigning the unresolved branch instruction to a selected branch prediction buffer selected from a plurality of branch prediction buffers, each branch prediction buffer being associated with a unique one bit position within the plurality of stream identifier bits;setting an associated bit position within the plurality of stream identifier bits that is associated with the selected branch prediction buffer for all instructions in the plurality of computer instruction that have a program order greater than a program order of the unresolved branch instruction; resolving two or more branch instructions within two or more branch prediction buffers of the plurality of branch prediction buffers as being correctly predicted; andclearing, in response to the step of resolving, two or more associated bit positions in the plurality of stream identifier bits.