Correlating Branch Prediction with Two-Level Predictors
To understand and simulate correlating branch prediction techniques used in modern processors. This experiment aims to:
Demonstrate Branch Prediction: Understand how correlating branch predictors improve instruction pipeline efficiency by predicting branch outcomes using global history patterns.
Visualize Two-Level Prediction: Observe how global history registers and pattern history tables work together to capture complex branch behavior patterns across multiple branches.
Analyze Prediction Accuracy: Study how different history lengths and pattern history table sizes affect prediction accuracy for various program behaviors.
Examine History Correlation: Understand how the outcomes of previous branches influence current branch predictions and how this correlation improves accuracy over simple predictors.
Evaluate Performance Impact: Analyze prediction accuracy, table utilization, and the trade-offs between hardware complexity and prediction performance.
Explore Real-world Applications: Gain insights into how modern processors achieve high performance through sophisticated branch prediction mechanisms and understand the impact on pipeline efficiency.