Instruction Block Path Prediction for Multiple Conditional Branches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instruction prediction methods for processors, particularly network processors, suffer from low efficiency and accuracy due to the inability to predict multiple conditional branch instructions simultaneously and the lack of applicability of the principle of locality in high-randomness services.
Innovation Solution
An instruction prediction method that identifies candidate execution paths based on branch instructions within instruction blocks, using keys and multi-level storage to predict next instructions, allowing for high efficiency and accuracy in predicting branch instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an instruction corresponding to a branch of the conditional branch instruction is fixedly used as the next instruction to be executed, then the instruction prediction method is simple to implement, but prediction efficiency is relatively low and prediction accuracy is relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the instruction stream into multiple instruction blocks (IBs) and identifies candidate execution paths between these blocks. Instead of predicting a single next instruction, the system predicts multiple possible execution paths by analyzing jump relationships between IBs, thereby improving prediction efficiency without excessive complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional single-instruction prediction approach to a multi-dimensional multi-path prediction approach. By considering multiple candidate execution paths simultaneously and using multi-level storage structures to organize path information, the system achieves higher prediction accuracy while managing complexity through structured organization.
2Device complexity
If an instruction corresponding to a branch of the conditional branch instruction is fixedly used as the next instruction to be executed, then the instruction prediction method is simple to implement, but prediction accuracy is relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis to identify candidate execution paths and jump relationships between instruction blocks before actual instruction execution. By pre-computing and storing execution path information in multi-level storage structures, the system prepares prediction data in advance, improving prediction accuracy without requiring complex real-time analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple copies of execution path information representing different candidate next instructions. Instead of relying on a single fixed prediction, the system maintains multiple possible execution paths and uses prediction metrics to select the most likely path, thereby improving accuracy while keeping the implementation manageable through structured copying of path data.
3Device complexity
If only one next instruction corresponding to a conditional branch instruction can be predicted at a time, then the prediction method is simple, but prediction efficiency is relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple prediction operations into a unified multi-path prediction framework. By combining information from multiple instruction blocks and their jump relationships into candidate execution paths, the system predicts multiple next instructions simultaneously rather than sequentially, thereby improving prediction efficiency while managing complexity through integrated path analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal prediction mechanism that handles multiple conditional branch instructions simultaneously through candidate execution paths. The multi-level storage structure and path analysis methodology serve multiple prediction functions at once, allowing the system to predict next instructions for multiple branches in parallel, improving overall prediction efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An instruction prediction method and apparatus, a system, and a computer-readable storage medium relate to the field of computer technologies. The method includes: a processor obtains a plurality of to-be-executed first IBs, where any first IB includes at least one instruction to be sequentially executed, and the at least one instruction includes one branch instruction; searches, based on branch instructions included in the plurality of first IBs, at least one candidate execution path for a candidate execution path corresponding to the plurality of first IBs, where any candidate execution path indicates a jump relationship between a plurality of second IBs, and a jump relationship indicated by the candidate execution path corresponding to the plurality of first IBs includes a jump relationship between the plurality of first IBs; and predicts, based on the jump relationship between the first IBs, a next instruction corresponding to a branch instruction in each first IB.