Processor with programmable prefetcher operable to generate at least one prefetch address based on load requests
US10268586B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 28, 2016 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2212/6028
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A processor including a programmable prefetcher for prefetching information from an external memory. The programmable prefetcher includes a load monitor, a programmable prefetch engine, and a prefetch requester. The load monitor tracks load requests issued by the processor to retrieve information from the external memory. The programmable prefetch engine is configured to be programmed by at least one prefetch program to operate as a programmed prefetcher, such that during operation of the processor, the programmed prefetcher generates at least one prefetch address based on the load requests issued by the processor. The requester uses each generated prefetch address to prefetch information from the external memory. A prefetch memory may store one or more prefetch programs and a prefetch programmer may be included to select from among stored prefetch programs to program the prefetcher based on an executing process. Each prefetch program may be configured according to a prefetch definition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.