Apparatus and method for performing branch predictions using dual branch history tables and for updating such branch history tables

摘要

A branch prediction method includes the step of retrieving prediction values from a local branch history table and a global branch history table. A branch prediction operation is selectively performed using the value retrieved from the local branch history table when the value from the local branch history table falls within first predetermined limits. A branch prediction operation is selectively performed using the value retrieved from the global branch history table when the value from the global branch history falls within a second predetermined limit.