DATA PROCESSOR HAVING DYNAMIC CONTROL OF INSTRUCTION PREFETCH BUFFER DEPTH AND METHOD THEREFOR

摘要

A data processor ( 102 ) includes a prefetch buffer ( 112 ) and a fetch control unit ( 116 ). The prefetch buffer ( 112 ) has a plurality of lines. The prefetch buffer ( 112 ) has a variable maximum depth that defines a number of lines of the plurality of lines that are capable of storing instructions. The fetch control unit ( 116 ) is coupled to the prefetch buffer to monitor at least one of the plurality of lines of the prefetch buffer ( 112 ) and to adjust the variable maximum depth of the prefetch buffer ( 112 ) in response to a state of the data processor ( 102 ).