Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and method of monitoring synchronization in a distributed cache are described. In an exemplary embodiment, a first and second processing core process a first and second thread respectively. A first and second distributed cache slices store data for either or both of the first and second processing cores. A first and second core interface co-located with the first and second processing cores respectively maintain a finite state machine (FSM) to be executed in response to receiving a request from a thread of its co-located processing core to monitor a cache line in the distributed cache.

Abstract: Responsive to receiving a write request for a cache line from an input/output device, a caching agent of a first processor determines that the cache line is managed by a home agent of a second processor. The caching agent sends an ownership request for the cache line to the second processor. A home agent of the second processor receives the ownership request, generates an entry in a directory cache for the cache line, the entry identifying the remote caching agent as having ownership of the cache line, and grants ownership of the cache line to the remote caching agent. Responsive to receiving the grant of ownership for the cache line from the home agent an input/output controller of the first processor adds an entry for the cache line to an input/output write cache, the entry comprising a first indicator that the cache line is managed by the home agent of the second processor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to an inter-queue anti-starvation mechanism with dynamic deadlock avoidance in a retry based pipeline are described. In one embodiment, logic may arbitrate between two queues based on various rules. The queues may store data including local or remote requests, data responses, non-data responses, external interrupts, etc. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to an inter-queue anti-starvation mechanism with dynamic deadlock avoidance in a retry based pipeline are described. In one embodiment, logic may arbitrate between two queues based on various rules. The queues may store data including local or remote requests, data responses, non-data responses, external interrupts, etc. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to an inter-queue anti-starvation mechanism with dynamic deadlock avoidance in a retry based pipeline are described. In one embodiment, logic may arbitrate between two queues based on various rules. The queues may store data including local or remote requests, data responses, non-data responses, external interrupts, etc. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for tunneling platform management messages through inter-processor interconnects. Platform management messages are received from a management entity such as a management engine (ME) at a management component of a first processor targeted for a managed device operatively coupled to a second processor. Management message content is encapsulated in a tunnel message that is tunneled from the first processor to a second management component in the second processor via a socket-to-socket interconnect link between the processors. Once received at the second management component the encapsulated management message content is extracted and the original management message is recreated. The recreated management message is then used to manage the targeted device in a manner similar to if the ME was directly connected to the second processor. The disclosed techniques enable management of platform devices operatively coupled to processors in a multi-processor platform via a single management entity.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for facilitating one-way ordering of otherwise independent message classes. A one-way message ordering mechanism facilitates one-way ordering of messages of different message classes sent between interconnects employing independent pathways for the message classes. In one aspect, messages of a second message class may not pass messages of a first message class. Moreover, when messages of the first and second classes are received in sequence, the ordering mechanism ensures that messages of the first class are forwarded to, and received at, a next hop prior to forwarding messages of the second class.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to system-wide quiescence and per-thread transaction fence in a distributed caching agent are described. Some embodiments utilize messages, counters, and/or state machines that support system-wide quiescence and per-thread transaction fence flows. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus may provide for detecting a performance state transition in a processor core and bouncing a core snoop message on a shared interconnect ring in response to detecting the performance state transition. The core snoop message may be associated with the processor core, wherein a plurality of processor cores may be coupled to the shared interconnect ring via a distributed last level cache controller.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling Reliability, Availability & Serviceability features after launching a secure environment under the control of LaGrande Technology (LT), or comparable security technology, without compromising security are provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises adding at least one specific capability to a processor to enable at least one of CPU hot-plug, CPU migration, CPU hot removal and capacity on demand.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for facilitating one-way ordering of otherwise independent message classes. A one-way message ordering mechanism facilitates one-way ordering of messages of different message classes sent between interconnects employing independent pathways for the message classes. In one aspect, messages of a second message class may not pass messages of a first message class. Moreover, when messages of the first and second classes are received in sequence, the ordering mechanism ensures that messages of the first class are forwarded to, and received at, a next hop prior to forwarding messages of the second class.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to system-wide quiescence and per-thread transaction fence in a distributed caching agent are described. Some embodiments utilize messages, counters, and/or state machines that support system-wide quiescence and per-thread transaction fence flows. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to multiple-queue multiple-resource entry sleep and wakeup for power savings and bandwidth conservation in a retry based pipeline are described. In one embodiment, a bit indicates whether a corresponding queue entry is asleep or awake with respect to arbitration for resources in a retry based pipeline. Furthermore, multiple entries from different queues may be grouped together and multiple resources may be grouped together. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to efficiently process non-ownership load requests hitting modified line (M-line) in cache of a different processor are described. In one embodiment, a first agent changes the state of a first data and forwards it to a second, requesting agent who stores the first data in an alternative modified state. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to retry based protocol with source/receiver FIFO (First-In, First-Out) buffer recovery and anti-starvation mechanism to support dynamic pipeline lengthening for ECC error correction are described. In an embodiment, upon detection of an error, a portion of transmitted data is stored in one or more storage devices before retransmission. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to an inter-queue anti-starvation mechanism with dynamic deadlock avoidance in a retry based pipeline are described. In one embodiment, logic may arbitrate between two queues based on various rules. The queues may store data including local or remote requests, data responses, non-data responses, external interrupts, etc. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus may provide for detecting a performance state transition in a processor core and bouncing a core snoop message on a shared interconnect ring in response to detecting the performance state transition. The core snoop message may be associated with the processor core, wherein a plurality of processor cores may be coupled to the shared interconnect ring via a distributed last level cache controller.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and method of monitoring synchronization in a distributed cache are described. In an exemplary embodiment, a first and second processing core process a first and second thread respectively. A first and second distributed cache slices store data for either or both of the first and second processing cores. A first and second core interface co-located with the first and second processing cores respectively maintain a finite state machine (FSM) to be executed in response to receiving a request from a thread of its co-located processing core to monitor a cache line in the distributed cache.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling Reliability, Availability & Serviceability features after launching a secure environment under the control of LaGrande Technology (LT), or comparable security technology, without compromising security are provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises adding at least one specific capability to a processor to enable at least one of CPU hot-plug, CPU migration, CPU hot removal and capacity on demand.