18438111. Prediction Confirmation for Cache Subsystem simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)

From WikiPatents
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Prediction Confirmation for Cache Subsystem

Organization Name

Apple Inc.

Inventor(s)

Ronald P. Hall of Cedar Park TX (US)

Mary D. Brown of Austin TX (US)

Balaji Kadambi of Austin TX (US)

Mahesh K. Reddy of Austin TX (US)

Prediction Confirmation for Cache Subsystem - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18438111 titled 'Prediction Confirmation for Cache Subsystem

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a cache subsystem that includes a prediction circuit to anticipate which cache line is included in a particular way in the cache. Here is a simplified explanation of the patent application:

  • Cache subsystem with prediction circuit:
 * The cache stores information in cache lines in multiple ways.
 * Requestor circuit generates a request to access a specific cache line.
 * Prediction circuit predicts which way includes the requested cache line.
 * Comparison circuit verifies the prediction by comparing address tags.
 * Confirmation indication is stored if the prediction is correct.
 * Subsequent requests for the same cache line skip verification based on the confirmation indication.

---

      1. Potential Applications

The technology can be applied in various computing systems where fast access to cached data is crucial, such as in processors, servers, and storage devices.

      1. Problems Solved

1. Efficient cache access: By predicting the location of cache lines, the system can speed up data retrieval without unnecessary verifications. 2. Reduced latency: Skipping verification based on confirmed predictions helps in reducing access latency to cached data.

      1. Benefits

1. Improved performance: Faster access to cached data results in improved overall system performance. 2. Enhanced efficiency: By avoiding unnecessary verifications, the system operates more efficiently.

      1. Potential Commercial Applications

"Optimizing Cache Access through Predictive Technology"

      1. Possible Prior Art

Prior art may include cache prediction techniques used in various computing systems to enhance cache access speed and efficiency.

---

        1. Unanswered Questions
      1. How does the prediction circuit determine which way includes the requested cache line?

The prediction circuit likely uses algorithms or heuristics based on past access patterns to predict the location of the cache line.

      1. What happens if the prediction is incorrect?

If the prediction is incorrect, the system would need to perform the verification process to locate the requested cache line, potentially leading to increased latency in data access.


Original Abstract Submitted

A cache subsystem is disclosed. The cache subsystem includes a cache configured to store information in cache lines arranged in a plurality of ways. A requestor circuit generates a request to access a particular cache line in the cache. A prediction circuit is configured to generate a prediction of which of the ways includes the particular cache line. A comparison circuit verifies the prediction by comparing a particular address tag associated with the particular cache line to a cache tag corresponding to a predicted one of the ways. Responsive to determining that the prediction was correct, a confirmation indication is stored indicating the correct prediction. For a subsequent request for the particular cache line, the cache is configured to forego a verification of the prediction that the particular cache line is included in the one of the ways based on the confirmation indication.

Retrieved from "http://wikipatents.org/index.php?title=18438111._Prediction_Confirmation_for_Cache_Subsystem_simplified_abstract_(Apple_Inc.)&oldid=64925"