Importance

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Abstract

A memory mechanism for providing semaphore functionality in a multi-master processing environment is disclosed. An exemplary memory unit includes a memory controller that manages access to a shared memory. The memory controller includes a semaphore context monitor associated with each master having access to the shared memory. A semaphore context monitor associated with a semaphore-capable master is activated by the semaphore-capable master (for example, by exclusive request signal(s) received by memory controller from semaphore-capable master). A semaphore context monitor associated with a non-semaphore-capable master is activated by the memory controller (for example, by exclusive request signal(s) generated by the memory controller). The memory controller can include a semaphore address command mechanism configured to derive a semaphore command from a memory access request received from the non-semaphore-capable master and activate the semaphore context monitor when the semaphore command specifies exclusive access.

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First Claim