| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To keep high the accuracy of predicting branches if a plurality of call instructions are detected based on a branch history prior to the completion of the execution of a call instruction. SOLUTION: A branch prediction device prepares a small number of entries in a return address stack X (second return address stack) storing the address information of a return instruction corresponding to a call instruction whose execution has not been completed yet. In order to complement the entries, a number of entries are provided in a return hit table that retains conditions of use of entries in a virtual return address stack X. If the existence of a return instruction is predicted based on the branch history, and if address information is retained in the return address stack X, the address information retained in the return address stack X is preferentially and selectively outputted as the result of branch prediction. COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI
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