Software Cache Handle Reuse for Reduced Processor Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software cache mechanisms incur significant processor cycles due to frequent cache lookup operations and cache misses, as they typically require multiple cache lookup operations for each memory reference, leading to inefficient data access and increased execution time.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution optimizes memory accesses by grouping references into streams and reusing cache handles, performing at most two cache lookup operations for each stream, thereby reducing the number of processor cycles required for cache lookup operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional software cache mechanisms are used with individual cache lookup operations for each memory reference, then cache data can be accessed, but processor cycles are significantly increased due to frequent cache lookup operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cache lookup operations into a single unified lookup by grouping memory references into streams. Instead of performing individual cache lookups for each reference, the system performs one lookup per stream to obtain a cache handle, then reuses this handle for all references in the stream. This combining approach dramatically reduces the number of cache lookup operations and associated processor cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-fetching and caching stream identifiers and cache handles before actual data access is needed. The system pre-processes memory references into streams, performs cache lookups in advance to obtain handles, and stores this information for rapid reuse during execution. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for repeated cache lookups during data access operations.
2Reliability
If multiple cache lookup operations are performed for each memory reference, then accurate cache data retrieval is achieved, but device complexity increases due to repeated cache management operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cache management operations into a streamlined process by grouping references into streams and performing a single cache lookup per stream. The unified cache handle obtained from one lookup serves all references in the stream, eliminating the need for multiple separate cache management operations while maintaining data retrieval accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal cache handle that serves multiple functions and multiple memory references simultaneously. A single cache handle obtained from one lookup operation can be reused for all references within a stream, making the cache management system more versatile and reducing operational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If individual cache lookup operations are performed for each reference, then precise data access is maintained, but productivity decreases due to increased execution time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual cache lookup operations into a single unified lookup per stream while maintaining precise data access. By grouping references and reusing cache handles, the system reduces the total number of lookup operations from potentially dozens to just a few per stream, dramatically improving execution speed without sacrificing data access precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates reusable cache handle copies that can be used multiple times for different references within the same stream. Instead of performing repeated lookups, the system obtains a cache handle once and copies/reuses it for all references in the stream, maintaining precise data access while significantly reducing operation count and execution time.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for efficient software cache accessing with handle reuse is provided. The mechanism groups references in source code into a reference stream with the reference stream having a size equal to or less than a size of a software cache line. The source code is transformed into optimized code by modifying the source code to include code for performing at most two cache lookup operations for the reference stream to obtain two cache line handles. Moreover, the transformation involves inserting code to resolve references in the reference stream based on the two cache line handles. The optimized code may be output for generation of executable code.