Branch prediction device and method that breaks accessing a pattern history table into multiple pipeline stages

Abstract

A branch prediction device capable of preventing degradation of branch prediction accuracy and a delay in processing speed is provided. The branch prediction device includes a branch prediction information accumulation processing section which stores branch prediction groups in which a plurality of pieces of branch prediction information are grouped, and performs accumulation-processing of the branch prediction information. The branch prediction device further includes a pipeline access control section which performs processing, upon request, by pipeline processing, including first selection control processing for selection-controlling at least one branch prediction group from the branch prediction groups, and second selection control processing for selection-controlling one or a plurality of pieces of branch prediction information from the branch prediction group, and controls an access to the branch prediction information accumulation processing section.