Processor with increased efficiency via control word prediction

A method, comprising:

• in a processor, performing operations for:
• determining that an instruction may change a control word that is used for processing dependent instructions;
• processing the dependent instructions using a predicted control word, the predicted control word acquired based on information associated with the instruction and information associated with a subsequent instruction;
• and
• after processing the instruction, comparing the control word to the predicted control word and reprocessing the dependent instructions when the predicted control word does not match the control word.

A processor, comprising:

• an operational unit that determines that an instruction may change a control word that is used for processing dependent instructions;
• execution units that:
• process the dependent instructions using a predicted control word, the predicted control word acquired based on information associated with the instruction and information associated with a subsequent instruction, and
• process the instruction and, after processing the instruction, compare the control word to the predicted control word;
• and
• a scheduling unit that causes the execution units to reprocess the dependent instructions when the predicted control word does not match the control word.