Using a plurality of tables for improving performance in predicting branches in processor instructions

摘要

A method for processing instructions. The instructions are processed by a processor unit while using a first table in a plurality of tables to predict a set of instructions needed by the processor unit after processing of a conditional instruction. An identification is formed that a rate of success in correctly predicting the set of instructions when using the first table is less than a threshold number. A sequence of the instructions being processed by the processor unit is searched for an instruction that matches a marker in a set of markers for identifying when to use the plurality of tables. An identification that the instruction that matches the marker is formed. A second table from the plurality of tables referenced by the marker is identified. The second table is used in place of the first table.

主权项

1. A method for processing instructions, the method comprising:
processing the instructions by a processor unit while using a first table in a plurality of tables to predict a set of instructions needed by the processor unit after processing of a conditional instruction; responsive to identifying that a rate of success in correctly predicting the set of instructions when using the first table is less than a threshold number, searching a sequence of the instructions being processed by the processor unit for an instruction that matches a marker in a set of markers for identifying when to use the plurality of tables; responsive to identifying the instruction that matches the marker, identifying a second table from the plurality of tables referenced by the marker; and using the second table in place of the first table.