Processor Cache Cleaning via Variable Address and Offset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning a specific segment of a processor cache are restricted, as they require the selected segment to be a multiple of two and have a fixed size, limiting flexibility in managing cache data.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a command format with an operation command, a first field for a starting address, and a second field for an offset, allowing for the selection and cleaning of a specific cache segment by adjusting the starting address and size of the segment to be cleaned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed-size segment cleaning method is used, then the cache cleaning operation is simple, but the flexibility in managing cache data is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cache segment size variable rather than fixed. The command format includes a size field that allows dynamic specification of the segment size to be cleaned, enabling the system to adapt to different cache management requirements while maintaining a straightforward cleaning operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of segment size from a fixed value to a variable parameter specified in the command format. By including a size field in the invalidate command, the system can adjust the segment size parameter according to different cleaning needs, thereby improving flexibility without complicating the basic operation.
2Ease of operation
If the selected segment must be a multiple of two, then the cache cleaning operation is simplified, but the adaptability for cleaning arbitrary cache segments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the static constraint that segment size must be a multiple of two. By making the segment size dynamic and configurable through the command's size field, the system can clean arbitrary cache segments while keeping the operation mechanism simple and unified.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter constraint from 'multiple of two' to an arbitrary value specified in the command format. This parameter change allows flexible specification of segment boundaries and sizes, enabling precise cache segment cleaning without requiring complex alignment checks or restrictions.
3Productivity
If the size of the segment to be cleaned is fixed, then the cache cleaning process is straightforward, but the ability to clean specific variable-size segments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the segment size dynamic by including it as a parameter in the invalidate command format. This allows the cache cleaning operation to efficiently handle variable-size segments specified by software, improving both productivity through direct software control and adaptability for different segment sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the segment size from a fixed parameter to a variable parameter that can be specified in the command. This parameter change enables the system to efficiently clean cache segments of any size required by the application, maintaining high productivity while providing the necessary adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for cleaning a cache of a processor includes: generating a specific command according to a request, wherein the specific command includes an operation command, a first field and a second field; obtaining an offset and a starting address according to the first field and the second field; selecting a specific segment from the cache according to the starting address and the offset; and cleaning data stored in the specific segment.