Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A computer system includes a data cache supported by a copy-back buffer and pre-allocation request stack. A programmable trigger mechanism inspects each store operation made by the processor to the data cache to see if a next cache line should be pre-allocated. If the store operation memory address occurs within a range defined by START and END programmable registers, then the next cache line that includes a memory address within that defined by a programmable STRIDE register is requested for pre-allocation. Bunches of pre-allocation requests are organized and scheduled by the pre-allocation request stack, and will take their turns to allow the cache lines being replaced to be processed through the copy-back buffer. By the time the processor gets to doing the store operation in the next cache line, such cache line has already been pre-allocated and there will be a cache hit, thus saving stall cycles.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim