18182772. Canceling Prefetch of Cache Blocks Based on an Address and a Bit Field simplified abstract (SiFive, Inc.)

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Canceling Prefetch of Cache Blocks Based on an Address and a Bit Field

Organization Name

SiFive, Inc.

Inventor(s)

Eric Andrew Gouldey of Fort Collins CO (US)

Wesley Waylon Terpstra of San Mateo CA (US)

Michael Kinglesmith of Chambery (FR)

Canceling Prefetch of Cache Blocks Based on an Address and a Bit Field - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18182772 titled 'Canceling Prefetch of Cache Blocks Based on an Address and a Bit Field

The abstract describes a prefetch circuitry that can send a message to cancel a prefetch of cache blocks within a group. The message includes the address of the group and a bit field specifying which cache blocks to cancel. This message can be directed to a higher level cache to stop prefetching, and it can be relayed through lower level caches.

  • The prefetch circuitry can transmit a message to cancel prefetching of cache blocks within a group.
  • The message includes the group address and a bit field indicating which cache blocks to cancel.
  • The message can be sent to a higher level cache to halt prefetching.
  • It can be communicated through lower level caches using command buses.

Potential Applications: - This technology can be used in multi-level cache systems to optimize data retrieval. - It can improve cache efficiency by preventing unnecessary prefetching.

Problems Solved: - Reduces unnecessary data prefetching, which can waste resources and slow down the system. - Enhances overall cache performance by canceling prefetch operations when not needed.

Benefits: - Improved system performance by avoiding unnecessary prefetching. - Enhanced cache efficiency leading to faster data access.

Commercial Applications: - This technology can be valuable in high-performance computing systems, servers, and data centers where efficient cache management is crucial for optimal performance.

Prior Art: - Research on cache management techniques and prefetching algorithms may be relevant to this technology.

Frequently Updated Research: - Stay updated on advancements in cache management and prefetching algorithms to enhance the efficiency of this technology.

Questions about Prefetch Circuitry: 1. How does the prefetch circuitry determine which cache blocks to cancel? 2. What are the potential drawbacks of canceling prefetching in certain scenarios?


Original Abstract Submitted

Prefetch circuitry may be configured to transmit a message to cancel a prefetch of one or more cache blocks of a group. The message may correspond to a prefetch message by indicating an address for the group and a bit field for the one or more cache blocks of the group to cancel. In some implementations, the message may target a higher level cache to cancel prefetching the one or more cache blocks, and the message may be transmitted to the higher level cache via a lower level cache. In some implementations, the message may target a higher level cache to cancel prefetching the one or more cache blocks, the message may be transmitted to a lower level cache via a first command bus, and the lower level cache may forward the message to the higher level cache via a second command bus.