Reconfigurable Cache Partitioning for Low-Latency Coherent Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cache architectures in shared memory multi-core processors suffer from inefficiencies due to static pipeline operations and high latency, particularly in maintaining cache coherence across multiple processor cores, leading to inefficient data access and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable cache architecture that dynamically partitions cache nodes into bins based on access parameters, using deterministic functions to determine target cache bins, thereby ensuring cache coherency without additional dedicated hardware, reducing latency and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional static cache architecture is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the memory access latency is high and the system cannot adapt to different access patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic cache partitioning where cache nodes are reconfigured into different bin configurations based on runtime access patterns. The system transitions from a static cache structure to a dynamic one that adapts its organization (e.g., direct-mapped, fully-associative, or set-associative) based on workload characteristics, thereby improving memory access speed without permanent structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes cache parameters such as associativity, cache size allocation, and bin configuration dynamically based on access patterns. By modifying these parameters at runtime rather than fixing them during manufacturing, the system achieves high performance for varying workloads without requiring multiple dedicated hardware structures
2Productivity
If a reconfigurable cache architecture with dynamic partitioning is implemented, then memory access efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cache is segmented into multiple cache nodes that can be independently configured into different bins. Each cache node can be dynamically assigned to different cache bins based on access patterns, allowing fine-grained control over cache organization. This segmentation enables high memory access efficiency through targeted optimization while managing complexity by breaking the cache into manageable independent units
Solution Approach 2:
The same cache hardware structure serves multiple functions by being reconfigurable into different bin configurations. The cache nodes can be dynamically organized into various cache types (direct-mapped, associative, etc.) depending on the workload, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated cache structures and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high productivity
3Reliability
If cache coherence is maintained across multiple processor cores using conventional mechanisms, then data consistency is ensured, but the power consumption increases due to write invalidate operations and pipeline operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements fine-grained cache coherency tracking at the bin level rather than at the entire cache or core level. When a write operation occurs, only the specific cache bin containing the modified data is invalidated or updated, rather than broadcasting to all caches. This localized approach maintains cache coherency reliability while significantly reducing power consumption by limiting the scope of coherence maintenance operations
Solution Approach 2:
The cache coherence mechanism dynamically adapts its operation based on access patterns and cache configuration. The system can switch between different coherence protocols and invalidation strategies depending on the current cache organization and workload characteristics, optimizing the balance between maintaining data consistency and minimizing power consumption from coherence operations
Data Source
AI summary
A method for cache coherency in a reconfigurable cache architecture is provided. The method includes receiving a memory access command, wherein the memory access command includes at least an address of a memory to access; determining at least one access parameter based on the memory access command; and determining a target cache bin for serving the memory access command based in part on the at least one access parameter and the address.