Cache Line Retention Status for Producer-Consumer Data Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

In modern computer systems, data stored in cache memory often faces premature replacement due to limited space, leading to inefficiencies and potential data loss.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a retention status for segments of cache memory, which is adjusted based on transactions with the system components, thereby insulating data against premature replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cache memory space is increased to store more data, then data loss is reduced, but cost and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata loss preventionVSAvoidcache memory space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of cache line replacement by introducing a replacement preference indicator that modifies the standard LRU behavior. Instead of simply replacing the least recently used cache line, the system evaluates additional parameters (the preference indicator) to determine replacement candidates, thereby reducing data loss without increasing cache size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If cache memory space is increased to store more data, then cache efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecache efficiencyVSAvoidcache memory structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cache memory system by introducing a separate replacement preference indicator field for each cache line. This segmentation allows the system to track usage patterns without fundamentally changing the cache structure, maintaining efficiency while limiting complexity growth through modular addition of the preference indicator mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If standard LRU replacement policy is used, then device complexity is minimized, but data loss increases due to premature replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata retentionVSAvoidreplacement policy mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously updating the replacement preference indicator based on cache line access patterns. This feedback mechanism allows the system to learn from usage behavior and adjust replacement decisions accordingly, improving data retention while keeping the complexity increase manageable through systematic tracking rather than complex algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12277071B2Cache replacement policy optimization for producer-consumer flows

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure includes techniques for cache memory replacement in a processing unit. A first data production operation to store first data to a first cache line of the cache memory is detected at a first time. A retention status of the first cache line is updated to a first retention level as a result of the first data production operation. Protection against displacement of the first data in the first cache line is increased based on the first retention level. A first data consumption operation retrieving the first data from the first cache line is detected at a second time after the first time. The retention status of the first cache line is updated to a second retention level as a result of the first data consumption operation, the second retention level being a lower level of retention than the first retention level.