Branch Predictor

Overview

• Year: 2019
• Language(s): C#
• Discipline(s): Computer Architecture, Computer Engineering, Computer Science
• Keywords: Branch Prediction, Branch Predictor, GBT, GHR, Global Branch Predictor, Global Buffer Table, Global History Record, gshare, gshare Table

Description

Branch Predictor is a C# program that runs a gshare branch prediction simulation, according to a specified number of Global Buffer Table (GBT) and Global History Record (GHR) bits.

Using these inputs, the program analyzes a specified input file that contains a list of branch instructions, made up of (a) the address of each instruction and (b) either a t or a n, which correspond to taken and not-taken, respectively.

The following are the inputs for this program:

1. GBT: The number of bits used for the Global Buffer Table (GBT).
2. GHR: The number of bits used for the Global History Record (GHR).

Finally, the program outputs the Misprediction Ratio of the branch predictor simulated with the input parameters.

The following files contain the list of branch instructions:

1. GoBMK.txt
2. MCF.txt

Note: Both files are already included with the executables. For best results, use one of these for the simulation.

Build Instructions

1. Download the repository.

2. Open Terminal, and go to the directory corresponding to your operating system (macOS or Windows64).

3. Once inside the directory, simply type the following:

   ./BranchPredictor <GPB> <RB> <Input_File>

4. Finally, always ensure that the input files are in the same directory as the executable file.