Abstract: Methods for improving processor performance. Specifically, by reducing some of the latency cycles within a host controller, request processing speed can be improved. One technique for improving processing speed involves initiating a deferred reply transaction before the data is available from a memory controller. A second technique involves anticipating the need to transition from a block next request (BNR) state to a bus priority request (BPRI) state, thereby eliminating the need to wait for a request check to determine if the BPRI state must be implemented.

Abstract: An internal bus structure for a multi-processor-bus system. More specifically, an internal bus protocol/structure is described. The internal bus structure includes unidirectional, point-to-point connections between control modules. The individual buses carry unique transactions corresponding to a request. Each transaction includes an identification tag. The present protocol provides for efficient communication between processors, peripheral devices, memory and coherency modules. The present protocol and design scheme is generic in that the techniques are scalable and re-usable.

Abstract: Methods for improving processor performance. Specifically, by reducing some of the latency cycles within a host controller, request processing speed can be improved. One technique for improving processing speed involves initiating a deferred reply transaction before the data is available from a memory controller. A second technique involves anticipating the need to transition from a block next request (BNR) state to a bus priority request (BPRI) state, thereby eliminating the need to wait for a request check to determine if the BPRI state must be implemented.