18548320. LOGGING CACHE LINE LIFETIME HINTS WHEN RECORDING BIT-ACCURATE TRACE simplified abstract (MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC)

LOGGING CACHE LINE LIFETIME HINTS WHEN RECORDING BIT-ACCURATE TRACE

Organization Name

MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC

Inventor(s)

Jordi Mola of Bellevue WA (US)

LOGGING CACHE LINE LIFETIME HINTS WHEN RECORDING BIT-ACCURATE TRACE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18548320 titled 'LOGGING CACHE LINE LIFETIME HINTS WHEN RECORDING BIT-ACCURATE TRACE

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a method for logging cache line lifetime hints during an execution trace on a microprocessor. Here are the key points of the innovation:

• Detection of the first cache event that marks the beginning of a cache line's lifetime in the memory cache.
• Logging of the first trace information to indicate the start of the cache line's lifetime.
• Detection of the second cache event that marks the end of the cache line's lifetime in the memory cache.
• Logging of the second trace information to indicate the end of the cache line's lifetime.

Potential Applications: This technology could be applied in performance analysis tools for microprocessors, cache optimization algorithms, and debugging tools for memory cache-related issues.

Problems Solved: This technology helps in understanding the behavior and usage patterns of cache lines in memory caches, which can lead to improved cache management strategies and performance optimizations.

Benefits: By providing insights into cache line lifetimes, this technology can help in reducing cache misses, optimizing memory access patterns, and enhancing overall system performance.

Potential Commercial Applications: "Cache Line Lifetime Logging Technology for Microprocessors: Improving Performance and Efficiency in Cache Management"

Possible Prior Art: One possible prior art could be the use of cache simulation tools to analyze cache behavior and performance in microprocessors.

Unanswered Questions: 1. How does this technology impact power consumption in microprocessors? 2. Are there any limitations to the size or type of memory cache that this technology can be applied to?

Original Abstract Submitted

Logging cache line lifetime hints when recording an execution trace. A microprocessor detects occurrence of a first cache event that initiates a lifetime of a cache line within a memory cache, and initiates logging first trace information indicating a beginning of the lifetime of the cache line within the memory cache. Subsequently, the microprocessor detects occurrence of a second cache event that ends the lifetime of the cache line within the memory cache. Based on detecting the second cache event, the microprocessor initiates logging second trace information indicating an ending of the lifetime of the cache line within the memory cache.