Shared Data Buffer for Prefetch and Non-Petch Entries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional memory prefetching techniques face inefficiencies due to the need for separate prefetch caches, which are complex, area-intensive, and costly, and often result in wasted resources when prefetch data is not used promptly, limiting the merge window and prefetch efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a shared data buffer that can hold both prefetch and non-prefetch entries, allowing prefetch data to be retained until buffer space is needed, and using a content-addressable memory to manage entries, thereby eliminating the need for a separate prefetch cache and reducing overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate prefetch cache is used, then prefetch data can be stored, but device complexity and area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the prefetch cache with the existing data cache by using a shared data buffer that can hold both prefetch entries and regular data entries. This eliminates the need for a separate prefetch cache structure, reducing device complexity and area while maintaining prefetch data retention capability through the unified buffer's ability to store both types of entries.
Solution Approach 2:
The data buffer is designed to serve multiple functions: it can store both prefetch entries and regular data entries, and can operate in different modes (prefetch mode, data mode, merge mode). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated prefetch cache infrastructure while maintaining all necessary prefetch operations.
2Reliability
If a separate prefetch cache is used, then prefetch data can be stored, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the prefetch cache functionality into the existing data cache buffer structure, the patent eliminates the need for additional manufacturing steps and components. The unified buffer uses the same physical infrastructure for both prefetch and regular data storage, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining prefetch data retention.
3Productivity
If prefetch data is not used promptly, then resources are wasted, but extending retention time increases buffer occupancy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic buffer management where the buffer can operate in different modes and dynamically adjust its behavior based on workload conditions. The buffer can switch between holding only prefetch entries, holding both prefetch and data entries, or merging operations based on real-time needs, optimizing the balance between prefetch efficiency and buffer occupancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the buffer dynamically - adjusting retention policies, occupancy thresholds, and mode switches based on actual prefetch hit rates and buffer occupancy levels. This allows the system to extend retention time when beneficial while avoiding excessive occupancy by adapting parameters to current workload characteristics.
4Quantity of substance
If the merge window is limited, then buffer space is available, but prefetch efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic merge window mechanism that can extend or reduce the time window for merging prefetch operations based on buffer occupancy levels and workload conditions. When buffer space is abundant, the merge window is extended to improve prefetch efficiency; when space is constrained, the window is adjusted to maintain buffer availability, optimizing the trade-off dynamically.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of an apparatus may comprise one or more substrates and a controller coupled to the one or more substrates, the controller including a read data buffer, a content-addressable memory, and circuitry to track both prefetch read requests and non-prefetch read requests for a memory with the content-addressable memory and to store both prefetch entries and non-prefetch entries in the read data buffer. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.