Cache Chunked List Data Type for Sequential Access Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cache management techniques, such as linked lists and arrays, suffer from memory latency due to cache misses and high meta-data overhead, which limits their effectiveness in optimizing cache performance for sequential data structures like lists and queues, especially in dynamic scenarios where insertions and deletions are frequent.
Innovation Solution
A cache-chunked list concrete data type is introduced, where data elements are stored in aligned chunks matching cache line sizes, using a link/space pointer to manage empty slots and prefetch data, reducing sequential cache misses and meta-data overhead, and allowing efficient insertion and deletion operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If linked lists are used to reduce memory latencies, then sequential access is enabled, but cache performance deteriorates due to sequential cache misses and high meta-data overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the linked list into chunks where multiple data elements are stored together in memory locations that fit within cache lines. Each chunk contains multiple list nodes with their data and meta-data arranged to minimize cache misses during sequential traversal, directly addressing the cache performance deterioration issue while maintaining sequential access capability.
2Reliability
If arrays are used to provide excellent cache density, then cache performance is improved, but insertion and deletion operations become very expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic data structure that combines the cache-friendly properties of arrays with the flexibility of linked lists. The chunked linked list allows efficient insertion and deletion operations by manipulating chunk links and internal pointers, while maintaining cache density through structured memory layout. This dynamic structure adapts to different operational requirements without the rigid limitations of arrays.
3Shape
If Virtual Cache Line allocation is used to improve data locality, then data proximity in memory is improved, but meta-data overhead increases and cache space availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary meta-data overhead by implementing a streamlined chunk structure where only essential information is stored. The chunked linked list uses minimal meta-data for managing chunks and slots, removing the excessive meta-data present in Virtual Cache Line approaches while maintaining improved data locality through strategic memory layout.
4Speed
If C++ deque combines fast traversal advantages of arrays with dynamic-update advantages of linked structures, then traversal speed is improved, but arbitrary updates in the middle of the list are not permitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the dynamic capabilities of the chunked linked list to support arbitrary updates in the middle of the list. By implementing efficient chunk manipulation and slot reassignment mechanisms, the structure enables dynamic reconfiguration of elements within chunks and between chunks, providing both fast traversal and arbitrary update capabilities without the limitations of traditional C++ deque implementations.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the invention provides a concrete data type and a method for providing a cached chunked list concrete data type. The method can perform steps including: storing at least one datum in a chunk in a cache line; and setting a lower bit value (LB) in a link/space pointer in the chunk to indicate the empty slots in the chunk.