Accessing data values in a cache

Details Accessing data values in a cache Accessing data values in a cache

2005-12-13

2005-12-13

Kim, Matthew (Department: 2189)

Electrical computers and digital processing systems: memory

Storage accessing and control

Hierarchical memories

C365S049130

Reexamination Certificate

active

06976126

ABSTRACT:
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for accessing data values in a cache and in particular accessing data values in an ‘n’ way set associative cache. A data processing apparatus is provided comprising an ‘n’ way set-associative cache, each cache way having a plurality of entries for storing a corresponding plurality of data values. A cache controller is provided which is operable on receipt of an access request for a data value to determine whether that data value is accessible within the cache, the cache comprising cache access logic operable under the control of the cache controller to determine whether a data value the subject of an access request is accessible in one of the cache ways. Also provided is a way lookup cache arranged to store an indication of the cache way in which a number of the plurality of data values stored in the cache are accessible. The cache controller is operable, when an access request for a data value specifies a non-sequential access, to reference the way lookup cache to determine whether that data value is identified in the way lookup cache and, if so, the cache controller being further operable to suppress the operation of the cache access logic and to cause that data value to be accessed. The provision of a way lookup cache enables the power consumption of the cache to be reduced by enabling the operation of the cache access logic to be suppressed.

REFERENCES:
patent: 6560679 (2003-05-01), Choi et al.
patent: 6678792 (2004-01-01), van de Waerdt
patent: 6718439 (2004-04-01), Jayavant
patent: 2002/0087779 (2002-07-01), Zhang
patent: 2002/0133672 (2002-09-01), Van De Waerdt et al.
patent: 2004/0010675 (2004-01-01), Moritz
patent: 2004/0030838 (2004-02-01), Van De Waerdt

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