Evaluating the performance of dynamic branch prediction schemes with BPSim

Abstract

BPSim (Branch Prediction Simulator) is a trace-driven simulator for predicting branch outcomes in high performance processors. It incorporates various dynamic prediction schemes widely reported in the literature and practiced in existing processors such as the MIPS R10000, Pentium Pro and Alpha 21164 [1, 10, 13]. Users can benefit from the completeness and flexibility of this simulator in gaining an understanding of the trade-off between prediction accuracy and hardware cost especially in an education environment.