Cache Bank Conflict Resolution Logic for Multi-Bank Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multiple bank data caches, bank conflicts occur when instructions attempt to access the same bank in a single clock cycle, leading to reduced processor performance due to stalled execution and lower memory access throughput.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of conflict resolution logic that prioritizes instructions based on access width and relative program order, allowing only one instruction to access the conflicted bank while redispatching others, thereby optimizing access to a multiple bank data cache.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple instructions access the same bank in a single clock cycle, then parallel processing capability is improved, but bank conflicts occur causing execution stalls and reduced throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The conflict resolution logic performs preliminary detection of bank conflicts before instruction execution. By checking bank access patterns in advance and identifying potential conflicts, the system can prioritize instructions before they cause execution stalls, ensuring smoother throughput without compromising execution continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The conflict resolution logic acts as an intermediary between multiple instructions and the cache banks. It mediates access requests by detecting conflicts and applying prioritization rules, allowing the system to maintain high throughput while preventing execution stalls through intelligent arbitration
2Productivity
If instructions are prioritized based on access width and program order, then memory access throughput is enhanced, but access control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes prioritization parameters dynamically based on instruction characteristics. By using access width and relative program order as prioritization criteria, the conflict resolution logic adapts its decision-making to different instruction types and scenarios, enhancing throughput without requiring overly complex fixed-rule logic
Solution Approach 2:
The prioritization process is segmented into distinct evaluation stages: first detecting bank conflicts, then evaluating access width, and finally considering program order. This segmentation breaks down the complex access control task into manageable steps, reducing overall logic complexity while maintaining high throughput
3Speed
If instructions on the critical path are prioritized, then processor performance is improved, but other instructions may experience delays
Solution Approach 1:
The conflict resolution logic performs preliminary identification of critical path instructions using relative program order information. By detecting which instructions are on the critical path before execution, the system can prioritize them appropriately, improving processor performance while minimizing delays to other instructions through fair arbitration
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses to control access to a multiple bank data cache are described. In one embodiment, a processor includes conflict resolution logic to detect multiple instructions scheduled to access a same bank of a multiple bank data cache in a same clock cycle and to grant access priority to an instruction of the multiple instructions scheduled to access a highest total of banks of the multiple bank data cache. In another embodiment, a method includes detecting multiple instructions scheduled to access a same bank of a multiple bank data cache in a same clock cycle, and granting access priority to an instruction of the multiple instructions scheduled to access a highest total of banks of the multiple bank data cache.