Set indexing for first-level and second-level set-associative cache

    公开(公告)号:US11455253B2

    公开(公告)日:2022-09-27

    申请号:US17060624

    申请日:2020-10-01

    Applicant: Arm Limited

    Abstract: An apparatus comprises first-level and second-level set-associative caches each comprising the same number of sets of cache entries. Indexing circuitry generates, based on a lookup address, a set index identifying which set of the first-level set-associative cache or the second-level set-associative cache is a selected set of cache entries to be looked up for information associated with the lookup address. The indexing circuitry generates the set index using an indexing scheme which maps the lookup address to the same set index for both the first-level set-associative cache and the second-level set-associative cache. This can make migration of cached information between the cache levels more efficient, which can be particularly useful for caches with high access frequency, such as branch target buffers for a branch predictor.

    Data processing apparatus and method for providing candidate prediction entries

    公开(公告)号:US11687343B2

    公开(公告)日:2023-06-27

    申请号:US17036442

    申请日:2020-09-29

    Applicant: Arm Limited

    CPC classification number: G06F9/3806 G06F9/3867 G06F9/3844 G06F9/3861

    Abstract: A data processing apparatus and a method are disclosed. The data processing apparatus comprising: a prediction cache to store a plurality of prediction entries, each defining an association between a prediction cache lookup address and a predicted behaviour; prediction circuitry to select a prediction entry based on a prediction cache lookup of the prediction cache based on a given prediction cache lookup address and to determine the predicted behaviour associated with the given prediction cache lookup address based on the selected prediction entry; and a candidate prediction buffer to store a plurality of candidate predictions each indicative of a candidate prediction entry to be selected for inclusion in a subsequent prediction cache lookup, wherein the candidate prediction entry is selected in response to a candidate prediction lookup based on a candidate lookup address different to a candidate prediction cache lookup address indicated as associated with a candidate predicted behaviour in the candidate prediction entry.

    Instruction prefetch throttling
    3.
    发明授权

    公开(公告)号:US12288073B2

    公开(公告)日:2025-04-29

    申请号:US18129979

    申请日:2023-04-03

    Applicant: Arm Limited

    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for limiting the effective utilisation of an instruction fetch queue. The instruction fetch entries are used to control the prefetching of instructions from memory, such that those instructions are stored in an instruction cache prior to being required by execution circuitry while executing a program. By limiting the effective utilisation of the instruction fetch queue, fewer instructions will be prefetched and fewer instructions will be allocated to the instruction cache, thus causing fewer evictions from the instruction cache. In the event that the instruction fetch entries are for instructions that are unnecessary to the program, the pollution of the instruction cache with these unnecessary instructions can be mitigated.

    Branch predictor triggering
    4.
    发明授权

    公开(公告)号:US11915005B1

    公开(公告)日:2024-02-27

    申请号:US17960390

    申请日:2022-10-05

    Applicant: Arm Limited

    CPC classification number: G06F9/3844

    Abstract: A data processing apparatus includes receive circuitry that receives an indication of a trigger block of instructions. Branch prediction circuitry provides, in response to the trigger block of instructions, branch predictions in respect of a branch within: a subsequent block of instructions subsequent to the trigger block of instructions in execution order, when in a 1-taken mode of operation and a later block of instructions subsequent to the subsequent block of instructions in execution order, when in a 2-taken mode of operation

    Lookup hint information
    5.
    发明授权

    公开(公告)号:US11379377B2

    公开(公告)日:2022-07-05

    申请号:US17064068

    申请日:2020-10-06

    Applicant: Arm Limited

    Abstract: First and second-level caches are provided. Cache control circuitry performs a first-level cache lookup of the first-level cache based on a lookup address, to determine whether the first-level cache stores valid cached data corresponding to the lookup address. When lookup hint information associated with the lookup address is available, the cache control circuitry determines based on the lookup hint information whether to activate or deactivate a second-level cache lookup of the second-level cache. The lookup hint information is indicative of whether the second-level cache is predicted to store valid cached data associated with the lookup address. When the second-level cache lookup is activated, the second-level cache lookup of the second-level cache is performed based on the lookup address to determine whether the second-level cache stores valid cached data corresponding to the lookup address.

Patent Agency Ranking