Patent ID: 7673122
Filing Date: 2010-03-02
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A system comprising: a branch instruction; a prefix attached to the branch instruction and comprising: a plurality of branch predictors; and a branch predictor selection circuit (BPSC) coupled to the plurality of branch predictors and configured to select a branch predictor, using the branch predictor selection, to predict an outcome of the branch instruction using the branch predictor operation hint, wherein the plurality of branch predictors includes the branch predictor, wherein the outcome is predicted after the branch predictor is selected by the BPSC, wherein only the selected branch predictor of the plurality of branch predictors outputs a prediction, wherein a branch predictor operation hint controls the selected branch predictor, wherein at least two of the branch predictors are dynamic branch predictors having respective associated distinct branch prediction state storages, and wherein the plurality of branch predictors and the BPSC are implemented in a processor that is capable of executing the branch instruction.