Identification of missing call and return instructions for management of a return address stack

Abstract

A data processing apparatus and method of data processing are disclosed. A fetch unit retrieves program instructions comprising call instructions and return instructions from memory to be executed by an execution unit. A branch prediction unit generates a return address prediction for an identified return instruction with reference to a return address stack. The branch prediction unit performs a return address push onto said return address stack when the execution unit executes a call instruction and performs a return address pop from the return address stack when the execution unit executes a return instruction. An error detection unit identifies a missing call instruction or a missing return instruction in said program instructions by reference to the return address prediction, a resolved return address indicated by the execution unit when the return instruction is executed and the content of the return address stack.