Pseudo Cache Agent for Multiprocessor Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multiprocessor systems, the development costs are high due to the need for a separate interface module for remote dedicated caches, which are underlying hardware and cannot be identified by node controllers on the protocol layer, leading to inefficiencies in cache access and reduced local data hit rates.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a pseudo cache agent (PCA) conforming to the processor micro-architecture level interconnect protocol within node controllers, connected to PCA storage devices, which temporarily stores data and allows for repeated use of protocol interface modules, reducing development costs and improving cache access efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a remote dedicated cache is added on the node controller to improve local data hit rate and cache access efficiency, then the cache access efficiency is improved, but the development costs increase due to the need for a separate interface module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the node controller's interface module universal by enabling it to identify and manage both traditional caches and pseudo cache agents through a unified protocol layer. The NC uses existing protocol layer capabilities to detect PCA devices and integrate them into the cache management system, allowing the same interface module to serve multiple cache types without requiring separate dedicated interface designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a pseudo cache agent that replicates the functionality of a traditional cache at the protocol layer, allowing it to be identified and managed by the node controller in the same way as a physical cache. This virtual copy enables the NC to treat the PCA storage device as a cache without requiring specialized hardware interface design, thereby reducing development costs while maintaining cache access efficiency.
2Reliability
If a remote dedicated cache is added on the node controller to improve local data hit rate, then the local data hit rate is improved, but the device complexity increases due to separate interface module requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The node controller's interface module is designed to be universal, capable of identifying and managing both traditional caches and pseudo cache agents through a unified protocol layer. The NC detects PCA devices using existing protocol capabilities and integrates them into the cache management system, allowing the same interface module to serve multiple cache types without requiring separate dedicated interface designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The pseudo cache agent acts as an intermediary between the node controller and the PCA storage device, translating protocol layer requests into storage operations. This intermediary layer allows the NC to interact with the PCA storage device through standard cache protocols, simplifying the interface requirements while maintaining high local data hit rates through intelligent cache management.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method for accessing a cache and a pseudo cache agent (PCA). The method of the present invention is applied to a multiprocessor system, where the system includes at least one NC, at least one PCA conforming to a processor micro-architecture level interconnect protocol is embedded in the NC, the PCA is connected to at least one PCA storage device, and the PCA storage device stores data shared among memories in the multiprocessor system. The method of the present invention includes: if the NC receives a data request, obtaining, by the PCA, target data required in the data request from the PCA storage device connected to the PCA; and sending the target data to a sender of the data request. Embodiments of the present invention are mainly applied to a process of accessing cache data in the multiprocessor system.