Branch Prediction Mechanisms Using Multiple Hash Functions

A method comprising:

• a control unit receiving input branch information;
• the control unit storing a respective set of partial prediction information within a plurality of storages;
• the control unit generating a plurality of index values, wherein each index value corresponds to a selected location within a respective storage of the plurality of storages;
• the control unit performing a plurality of separate hash functions, each separate hash function operating on a respective portion of the input branch information to generate a respective one of the index values;
• the control unit summing together the partial prediction information in the selected locations of the storages to generate a branch prediction value.

A branch prediction mechanism comprising:

• means for receiving input branch information;
• means for storing a respective set of partial prediction information within a plurality of storages;
• means for generating a plurality of index values, wherein each index value corresponds to a selected location within a respective storage of the plurality of storages;
• means for performing a plurality of separate hash functions, each separate hash function operating on a respective portion of the input branch information to generate a respective one of the index values;
• means for summing together the partial prediction information in the selected locations of the storages to generate a branch prediction value that is indicative of whether the current branch instruction is taken upon execution.