Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
FILTERED BRANCH PREDICTION STRUCTURES OF A PROCESSOR

Abstract:

A branch predictor of a processor includes one or more prediction structures that identify predicted branches, including a predicted branch addresses and predicted branch direction. To reduce power consumption, the branch predictor selects one or more of the prediction structures that are not expected to provide useful branch prediction information and filters the selected structures such that the filtered structures are not used for branch prediction. The branch predictor thereby reduces the amount of power used for branch prediction without substantially reducing the accuracy of the predicted branches.