Method and system for processing multiple branch instructions that write to count and link registers

A system and method for processing count and link branch instructions that allows multiple branches to be outstanding at the same time without being limited to the number of rename registers allocated to the count and link registers. The method and system comprises an architected count register and...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors OLSON; CHRISTOPHER HANS, GOLLA; ROBERT THADDEUS
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 24.08.1999
Edition6
Subjects
CALCULATING
COMPUTING
COUNTING
ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
PHYSICS
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Summary:A system and method for processing count and link branch instructions that allows multiple branches to be outstanding at the same time without being limited to the number of rename registers allocated to the count and link registers. The method and system comprises an architected count register and an architected link register that are each connected to a look-ahead register. Information in the architected count or link register is copied into the look-ahead register when a branch instruction is encountered that will alter the contents of the count or link registers. Information in the look-ahead register is saved in a shadow register when an unresolved branch is encountered, and restored by the shadow register if the outcome of the unresolved branch is mispredicted.
Bibliography:Application Number: US19950486304