Methods and apparatus for handling a cache miss
US8327075B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 2005 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2212/654
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In a first aspect, a first method is provided. The first method includes the steps of (1) providing a cache having a plurality of cache entries, each entry adapted to store data, wherein the cache is adapted to be accessed by hardware and software in a first operational mode; (2) determining an absence of desired data in one of the plurality of cache entries; (3) determining a status based on a current operational mode and a value of hint-lock bits associated with the plurality of cache entries; and (4) determining availability of at least one of the cache entries based on the status, wherein availability of a cache entry indicates that data stored in the cache entry can be replaced. Numerous other aspects are provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.