Branch prediction using loop iteration count

A method comprising:

• determining that a value stored in a program counter corresponds to a beginning of a hyperblock loop by comparing the value with a first data set;
• determining that a second data set characterizing the hyperblock loop is stored in a memory by comparing the value with the second data set, wherein the second data set is different from the first data set;
• and
• predicting a number of iterations for the hyperblock loop based on the second data set.

A device comprising:

• a program counter configured to store a value;
• a memory;
• and
• a branch predictor coupled to the program counter, and configured to:
• determine that the value corresponds to a hyperblock loop by comparing the value with a first data set;
• determine that a second data set characterizing the hyperblock loop is stored in the memory by at least matching the value to an entry in the second data set stored in the memory, wherein the second data set is different from the first data set;
• and
• predict a number of iterations for the hyperblock loop based on the second data set.