Cache Allocation Cancellation for Workload-Dependent Bandwidth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cache allocation transactions are one of the slowest types of transactions in a cache, occupying bandwidth for a long time and incurring higher latency on other operations, which can reduce processing performance, especially in workload-dependent scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Implement control circuitry to select cache access transactions and determine, based on workload-dependent performance heuristics, whether to cancel a partly-completed cache allocation process to free up bandwidth for other transactions, considering factors like workload type, queue occupancy, and cache allocation status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cache allocation process is allowed to complete for every selected transaction, then cache data consistency is maintained, but bandwidth utilization decreases and latency increases for other operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of cache allocation completion status from binary (complete/Incomplete) to a dynamic state that can be interrupted and resumed. By introducing a cancellation mechanism with heuristic-based decision-making, the system can pause allocation processes under certain conditions and resume them later, optimizing bandwidth utilization while maintaining eventual data consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control over cache allocation processes by allowing them to be cancelled and resumed based on real-time workload conditions. The control circuitry dynamically adjusts the completion status of allocation transactions using workload-dependent heuristics, transforming a static allocation process into a flexible, adaptive mechanism that responds to changing system conditions.
2Productivity
If cache allocation process is cancelled to free up bandwidth, then bandwidth utilization and latency for other operations improve, but cache data consistency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control circuitry monitors workload conditions and uses heuristic evaluations to decide whether to cancel or complete cache allocation processes. This feedback loop ensures that cancellation decisions are made intelligently based on system state, and the allocation process can be resumed when appropriate, maintaining consistency while optimizing bandwidth usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of workload conditions before committing to completing or cancelling a cache allocation process. The control circuitry assesses heuristic criteria in advance to determine the optimal action, allowing the system to proactively manage bandwidth allocation and avoid situations where consistency would be compromised.
3Reliability
If cache allocation transactions are prioritized to maintain consistency, then reliability is improved, but processing performance decreases due to higher latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic evaluation of cache allocation processes using workload-dependent heuristics. Instead of continuously monitoring every transaction, the control circuitry periodically assesses whether to cancel or complete allocations based on current system conditions, reducing the time overhead while maintaining reliability through strategic intervention points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the system to skip completing certain cache allocation transactions temporarily when workload conditions indicate it would be beneficial to free up bandwidth. The allocation process can be rushed through completion later when conditions are favorable, reducing immediate latency while maintaining eventual consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a cache; and control circuitry to select at least one cache access transaction to be serviced by the cache from among one or more pending cache access transactions. In response to a cache allocation transaction being selected by the control circuitry for servicing by the cache, the cache is configured to start a cache allocation process for allocating data into the cache for an address not previously having a valid entry in the cache. The control circuitry is configured to determine, based on at least one workload-dependent performance heuristic, whether to cancel a remaining part of an unfinished cache allocation process performed for a given cache allocation transaction already selected for servicing by the cache, to free up bandwidth for servicing another cache access transaction.