Apple inc. (20240256280). Instruction Fetch Using a Return Prediction Circuit simplified abstract
Contents
Instruction Fetch Using a Return Prediction Circuit
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Pruthivi Vuyyuru of Santa Clara CA (US)
Ian D. Kountanis of Santa Clara CA (US)
Instruction Fetch Using a Return Prediction Circuit - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240256280 titled 'Instruction Fetch Using a Return Prediction Circuit
The apparatus described in the patent application includes a processor circuit with a return address stack circuit, a return prediction circuit, and a fetch control circuit. The return prediction circuit stores fetch parameters for previously accessed return addresses, while the fetch control circuit manages the fetching of instructions based on call and return instructions.
- Processor circuit with return address stack, return prediction, and fetch control circuits
- Return prediction circuit stores fetch parameters for return addresses
- Fetch control circuit manages fetching of instructions based on call and return instructions
- Pushes return addresses onto the stack in response to call instructions
- Retrieves return addresses from the stack and creates fetch requests based on fetch parameters for subsequent instructions after return instructions
Potential Applications: - Optimizing instruction fetching in processors - Improving performance in computing systems - Enhancing efficiency in program execution
Problems Solved: - Streamlining the process of fetching instructions in processors - Reducing delays in executing program instructions - Enhancing overall system performance
Benefits: - Faster execution of program instructions - Improved efficiency in processor operation - Enhanced overall system performance
Commercial Applications: Title: "Enhanced Processor Efficiency Technology for Computing Systems" This technology could be utilized in: - High-performance computing systems - Server systems - Embedded systems - Mobile devices
Questions about the technology: 1. How does the return prediction circuit improve processor efficiency? The return prediction circuit stores fetch parameters for return addresses, allowing for faster retrieval of subsequent instructions. 2. What are the potential drawbacks of using a return address stack in processors? The use of a return address stack could potentially introduce complexity in processor design and management.
Original Abstract Submitted
an apparatus includes a processor circuit that includes a return address stack circuit, a return prediction circuit, and a fetch control circuit. the return prediction circuit is configured to store, for previously accessed return addresses, fetch parameters for next fetch addresses. the fetch control circuit is configured to in response to a fetch of a call instruction, push a return address onto the return address stack circuit. in response to a fetch of a return instruction that corresponds to the call instruction, the fetch control circuit is further configured to retrieve the return address from the return address stack circuit, and to create, using the return address and fetch parameters retrieved from the return prediction circuit, a next fetch request to retrieve instructions subsequent to the return instruction.
