Patent ID: 6332190
Filing Date: 2001-12-18
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A branch prediction method for predicting a branch direction of a first branch instruction to be executed in a processor, by using a prediction table which includes a plurality of entries for storing prediction information about executed results of branch instructions, including said first branch instruction, which have been previously executed, wherein a fetch block includes a plurality of instructions, including said first branch instruction, where said instructions are simultaneously fetched,said branch prediction method comprising the steps of:(a) referring to one of said entries for said prediction information before a first instruction serving as said first branch instruction is executed, if said instructions include said first instruction, said one entry being indexed by a full fetch block address which is a head address of said fetch block including said first instruction; and(b) storing said prediction information in said one entry indexed by said full fetch block address of said fetch block, after said first instruction is executed, in the form of a result from the execution of said first instruction.