System-Level Cache Way Partitioning for Dynamic Memory Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing system-level caches (SLCs) lack flexibility and efficiency in allocating cache resources to different hardware devices, leading to power-intensive and high-latency memory requests, especially in dynamic execution contexts.
Innovation Solution
Implement a way-partitioning policy in SLCs that allocates primary ways dedicated to specific memory buffers and secondary ways shared among multiple buffers, allowing dynamic adaptation to changing use cases and reducing power consumption by powering down unused pathways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a system-level cache uses a fixed cache configuration, then the cache structure is simple and stable, but the cache cannot adapt to different execution contexts, leading to increased power consumption and latency
Solution Approach 1:
The cache configuration is made dynamic through runtime reconfiguration capabilities. The system can adjust cache parameters such as associativity, cache size, and partitioning based on execution context, transforming a static cache into an adaptive one that responds to changing workload requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes cache parameters dynamically by modifying associativity values, cache line sizes, and partition configurations based on detected execution contexts. This allows the cache to optimize its behavior for different workload types without requiring a completely different hardware design
2Reliability
If the system allocates dedicated cache ways to each partition, then cache performance for specific memory buffers is improved, but cache resource utilization decreases when not all partitions are active
Solution Approach 1:
The cache is segmented into multiple partitions that can be independently configured and activated. Each partition can be associated with specific memory buffers or client devices, allowing the system to activate only the necessary segments based on current execution context, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining performance for active partitions
Solution Approach 2:
The partition activation state is dynamic rather than fixed. The system can enable or disable specific partitions based on which memory buffers are currently being accessed, allowing dedicated cache ways to be allocated to active partitions while leaving inactive partitions in a low-power state
3Productivity
If the cache uses a static partitioning scheme, then the cache structure is simpler to implement, but it cannot optimize for varying workload patterns across different execution contexts
Solution Approach 1:
The cache system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor execution context and workload patterns. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts partition configurations, associativity settings, and cache policies to optimize caching efficiency for the current workload while managing complexity through automated control
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for a system-level cache to allocate cache resources by a way-partitioning process. One of the methods includes maintaining a mapping between partitions and priority levels and allocating primary ways to respective enabled partitions in an order corresponding to the respective priority levels assigned to the enabled partitions.