Method and apparatus for predicting branches using a meta predictor

A method for predicting branches, comprising:

• receiving an index value, a branch prediction correlating to said index value, and a misprediction history value at a meta predictor, said branch prediction generated in response to a branch request;
• generating a misprediction value at said meta predictor, said misprediction value comprising a value predicting whether said branch prediction is correct or incorrect;
• and
• generating a final prediction based on said branch prediction and said misprediction value, said final prediction comprising information indicating whether said branch prediction is to be taken or reversed for said branch request according to said misprediction value.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a branch predictor to generate a branch prediction in response to a branch request;
• a base misprediction history register to provide a misprediction history value;
• a meta predictor to generate a misprediction value based on an index value, said branch prediction and said misprediction history value, said misprediction value comprising a value predicting whether said branch prediction is correct or incorrect;
• and
• a logic gate to generate a final prediction based on said branch prediction and said misprediction value, said final prediction comprising information indicating whether said branch prediction is to be taken or reversed for said branch request according to said misprediction value.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage device storing instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, configure the one or more processors to:

• receive an index value, a branch prediction correlating to said index value, and a misprediction history value at a meta predictor, said branch prediction generated in response to a branch request;
• generate a misprediction value at said meta predictor, said misprediction value comprising a value indicating whether said branch prediction is correct or incorrect;
• and
• generate a final prediction based on said branch prediction and said misprediction value, said final prediction comprising information indicating whether said branch prediction is to be taken or reversed for said branch request according to said misprediction value.