Branch prediction techniques

• Static branch prediction

  • Branch not taken strategy (MIPS R4000)
    • With branch delay slot (good only for single issue machine)
  • Branch taken strategy (OK if target address can be computed before condition is tested)
    • Good for machines with Condition Codes (e.g. Power PC)
  • BTFNT + possibility of squashing (HP-PA Risc).
    • Can be used in conjunction with some dynamic prediction (as, e.g., in Alpha 21024)
  • Some mixture of these strategies

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