Using predictions for store-to-load forwarding

摘要

The described embodiments include a core that uses predictions for store-to-load forwarding. In the described embodiments, the core comprises a load-store unit, a store buffer, and a prediction mechanism. During operation, the prediction mechanism generates a prediction that a load will be satisfied using data forwarded from the store buffer because the load loads data from a memory location in a stack. Based on the prediction, the load-store unit first sends a request for the data to the store buffer in an attempt to satisfy the load using data forwarded from the store buffer. If data is returned from the store buffer, the load is satisfied using the data. However, if the attempt to satisfy the load using data forwarded from the store buffer is unsuccessful, the load-store unit then separately sends a request for the data to a cache to satisfy the load.

主权项

1. A method for handling loads in a core, comprising:
in the core, performing operations for:
predicting that a load will be satisfied using data forwarded from a store buffer if the load loads data from a memory location in a stack; andbased on the prediction,
sending a request for the data to the store buffer in an attempt to satisfy the load using data forwarded from the store buffer; andif the attempt to satisfy the load using data forwarded from the store buffer is unsuccessful, sending a request for the data to satisfy the load to a cache.