Abstract: A source synchronous interface between a master device and slave device is described. A master device having a plurality of deskew latches is coupled to a slave device via a bus. The master device communicates commands and first timing information to the slave device via the bus. In response, the slave device communicates data and second timing information to the master device via the bus. When data is communicated from the slave device to the master device, the data is stored in one of the plurality of deskew latches until accessed by the master device. The plurality of deskew latches ensure that the master device will always read valid data for the full range of skew of the first and second timing information.

Abstract: A computer system having a processor-cache protocol supporting multiple cache configurations is described. The computer system has a processor having a cache control circuit to control multiple cache memory circuits. The processor including its cache control circuit is coupled to a cache bus. A second level cache memory is also coupled to the cache bus. The cache control circuit controls the second level cache by issuing commands that are executed by the second level cache.