Multi-processor data processing system with multiple second level caches mapable to all of addressable memory
US5875462A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 28, 1995 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F12/0822
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A cache architecture for a multiprocessor data processing system. The cache architecture includes multiple first-level caches, two second-level caches, and main storage that is addressable by each of the processors. Each first-level cache is dedicated to a respective one of the processors. Each of the second-level caches is coupled to the other second-level cache, coupled to the main storage, and coupled to predetermined ones of the first-level caches. The range of cacheable addresses for both of the second-level caches encompasses the entire address space of the main storage. Each of the second-level caches may be viewed as dedicated for write access to the set of processors associated with the predetermined set of first-level caches, and shared for read access to the other set of processors. The dedicated and shared nature enhances system efficiency. The cache architecture includes coherency control that filters invalidation traffic between the second-level caches. The filtering of invalidation traffic enhances system efficiency and is accomplished by tracking which second-level cache has the most recent version of the cached data.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.