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Patent Title: Instruction cache alignment mechanism for branch targets based on predicted execution frequencies

Assignee: IBM
Patent Number: US6301652
Issue Date: 10-09-2001
Application Number:
File Date:01-31-1996


Abstract: A compiler system and method is provided that can 1) generate a second instruction stream from a first instruction stream, 2) read in and process predetermined external information regarding the basic blocks that makes up the second instruction stream and 3) place certain of the basic blocks on cache line boundaries based on predicted execution frequencies. In particular, the compiler system and method utilize profile information containing predicted block execution or edge-weight execution frequencies to determine which of the basic blocks to align on cache line boundaries. One method for obtaining profile information includes precompiling the source code, creating an executable program, executing the program with test inputs, and outputting a profile containing execution frequency information. Once the profile information is obtained, the source code can then be recompiled using the profile information. The compiler can then selectively cache align those blocks identified as important.

Notes:

Link to USPTO

IBM Pledge dated 1/11/2005