Virtual Memory Translation Pre-fetch Prediction Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer systems face inefficiencies in virtual address translation due to the unpredictable and non-contiguous nature of physical memory addressing, making it costly to predict and pre-fetch virtual address translations accurately.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a front-end unit and address translation logic to pre-fetch virtual address translations for predicted virtual addresses based on the current block of data, using address prediction logic to anticipate subsequent or previous addresses and address pre-fetch logic to retrieve translations from a translation lookaside buffer or auxiliary storage, thereby improving translation performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual address translation is performed on demand using conventional translation tables, then the system can handle non-contiguous physical memory addressing, but the address translation performance is degraded due to unpredictable access patterns and translation latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-fetching virtual address translations before they are actually needed. The system predicts future virtual addresses that will be accessed and initiates translation operations in advance, so that when the predicted addresses are actually accessed, the translations are already available in the translation buffer, eliminating translation latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using a predictive algorithm that dynamically adjusts translation operations based on observed access patterns. The system continuously learns from actual memory access behavior and dynamically predicts future addresses, making the translation system adaptive rather than static.
2Loss of time
If the system attempts to predict virtual address translations to improve performance, then translation latency may be reduced, but the prediction accuracy is poor due to the non-contiguous nature of physical addressing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring actual memory access patterns and using this information to refine and improve prediction accuracy. The system compares predicted addresses with actual accessed addresses, learns from the differences, and adjusts its prediction algorithm accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that improves over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary prediction operations based on observed patterns, initiating translations in advance for predicted addresses. Even if initial predictions are not perfectly accurate, the preliminary action ensures that some translations are completed ahead of time, reducing overall latency.
3Reliability
If the requestor is held off until translation is available in the translation table, then translation accuracy is maintained, but the processing speed is reduced due to waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs translations in advance for predicted addresses before the actual access occurs. This preliminary action ensures that when the access is made, the translation is already available, eliminating the need to hold off the requestor and maintaining both accuracy and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary prediction buffer that stores pre-computed translations. This intermediary structure decouples the translation operation from the actual access operation, allowing translations to be performed independently in advance while maintaining translation accuracy through verification mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system to facilitate virtual page translation. An embodiment of the system includes a processing device, a front end unit, and address translation logic. The processing device is configured to process data of a current block of data. The front end unit is coupled to the processing device. The front end unit is configured to access the current block of data in an electronic memory device and to send the current block of data to the processor for processing. The address translation logic is coupled to the front end unit and the electronic memory device. The address translation logic is configured to pre-fetch a virtual address translation for a predicted virtual address based on a virtual address of the current block of data. Embodiments of the system increase address translation performance of computer systems including graphic rendering operations.