Branch prediction method and branch prediction circuit for executing the same

A branch prediction circuit comprising:

• a first storage unit and a second storage unit that store branch information including a branch instruction, branch prediction, and the degree of likelihood that a branch indicated by the branch prediction occurs;
• a control circuit that determines on the basis of a branch condition set by the branch instruction and a realized branch whether or not the branch prediction is realized and controls the rewrite of the branch information in one of the first storage unit and the second storage unit in accordance with the determination and the degree of likelihood that a branch indicated by the branch prediction occurs;
• and
• a rewriting circuit that rewrites the branch information in one of the first storage unit and the second storage unit in response to the control performed by the control circuit.

A branch prediction circuit comprising:

• a plurality of storage units that store branch information including a branch instruction, branch prediction, and the degree of likelihood that a branch indicated by the branch prediction occurs;
• a control circuit that determines on the basis of a branch condition set by the branch instruction and a realized branch whether or not the branch prediction is realized and controls the rewrite of the branch information in one of the plural storage units in accordance with the determination and the degree of likelihood that a branch indicated by the branch prediction occurs;
• and
• a rewriting circuit that rewrites the branch information in one of the plural storage units in response to the control performed by the control circuit.