Apple inc. (20240176744). Prediction Confirmation for Cache Subsystem simplified abstract

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 20240176744 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. If the prediction is correct, a confirmation indication is stored for future reference, saving time on subsequent requests for the same cache line.

• Cache subsystem with prediction circuit:

 - Cache stores information in cache lines in multiple ways.
 - Requestor circuit generates requests to access specific cache lines.
 - Prediction circuit forecasts 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.

Potential Applications

The technology could be applied in high-performance computing systems, data centers, and any other systems where fast access to cached data is crucial.

Problems Solved

1. Reducing access time to cached data by predicting cache line location. 2. Optimizing cache performance by confirming correct predictions for future requests.

Benefits

1. Improved system performance by reducing cache access latency. 2. Enhanced efficiency by minimizing unnecessary verifications for cached data.

Potential Commercial Applications

"Cache Optimization Technology for High-Performance Computing Systems"

Possible Prior Art

There may be prior art related to cache prediction algorithms or cache optimization techniques in computer systems.

How does this technology impact overall system performance?

The technology can significantly improve system performance by reducing cache access latency and optimizing cache utilization.

What are the potential limitations of this cache subsystem?

One potential limitation could be the accuracy of the prediction circuit, which may impact overall system efficiency if incorrect predictions are made frequently.

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.