Patent ID: 8250349
Filing Date: 2012-08-21
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A branch prediction control device, comprising: a prediction return address generation unit which generates a prediction return address according to a call instruction; a first return address storage unit which stores the prediction return address; a second return address storage unit which stores a return address to be generated in response to an execution result of the call instruction; and a branch prediction address storage unit which sends the prediction return address stored in the first return address storage unit, as a branch prediction address, and stores the sent branch prediction address, wherein, when the branch prediction address differs from a return address which is generated after the execution of a branch instruction or a return instruction, a content stored in the second return address storage unit is copied to the first return address storage unit, and wherein the branch prediction address storage unit includes a flag, serving as an identifier indicating whether a return instruction which corresponds to a branch prediction address to be sent has been executed.