Abstract: A physical process ID (PPID) is stored for each cache block of each set, and a MAX WAY number for each PPID value is stored for each of index values #1 to #n. A MAX WAY number corresponding to a certain PPID value in a certain index value indicates the maximum number of cache blocks having the PPID value, which can be stored in the index value. The number of ways at the time of a cache miss is controlled not to exceed the MAX WAY number of each PPID value for each index value.

Abstract: A cache controller controls at least one cache. The cache includes ways including a plurality of blocks that stores therein entry data. A writing unit writes degradation data to a failed block. The degradation data indicates that the failed block is in a degradation state. A reading unit reads entry data from a block. A determining unit determines, if the entry data obtained by the reading unit includes the degradation data, that the block is in the degradation state.

Abstract: A degeneration control device that controls degeneration of a cache having a plurality of ways based on an error that occurs in response to an access request, includes a cache line degeneration information memory unit, which stores cache line degeneration information that indicates whether a cache line constituting each of the plurality of ways is degenerated, and a degeneration control unit, which writes, when an error that occurs in response to the access request causes a predetermined condition to be met, cache line degeneration information that indicates a predetermined cache line where the error occurs is degenerated in the cache line degeneration information memory unit.

Abstract: A program counter control method controls instructions by an out-of-order method using a branch prediction mechanism and controls an architecture having delay instructions for branching. The method includes the steps of simultaneously committing a plurality of instructions including a branch instruction, when a branch prediction is successful and the branch instruction branches, and simultaneously updating a program counter and a next program counter depending on a number of committed instructions.

Abstract: A degeneration control device that controls degeneration of a cache having a plurality of ways based on an error that occurs in response to an access request, includes a cache line degeneration information memory unit, which stores cache line degeneration information that indicates whether a cache line constituting each of the plurality of ways is degenerated, and a degeneration control unit, which writes, when an error that occurs in response to the access request causes a predetermined condition to be met, cache line degeneration information that indicates a predetermined cache line where the error occurs is degenerated in the cache line degeneration information memory unit.

Abstract: A cache controller controls at least one cache. The cache includes ways including a plurality of blocks that stores therein entry data. A writing unit writes degradation data to a failed block. The degradation data indicates that the failed block is in a degradation state. A reading unit reads entry data from a block. A determining unit determines, if the entry data obtained by the reading unit includes the degradation data, that the block is in the degradation state.

Abstract: A program counter control method controls instructions by an out-of-order method using a branch prediction mechanism and controls an architecture having delay instructions for branching. The method includes the steps of simultaneously committing a plurality of instructions including a branch instruction, when a branch prediction is successful and the branch instruction branches, and simultaneously updating a program counter and a next program counter depending on a number of committed instructions.

Abstract: Wire of an oval type cross sectional shape having a surface formed of a semicircle and semiellipse tangent to each other has been used for coiled springs. Stress distribution in wire of such a shape can be improved by increasing the dimension of the spring wire in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the spring. One such cross sectional shape is formed by semicircle and semiellipse portions connected by straight lines.

Abstract: It is known that a sectional shape of a spring wire can be formed into an oval made by a semicircle and a semiellipse. However, it has been found that such a shape is not the best obtainable, and that stress distribution can be improved by increasing the diameter of the spring wire slightly in a portion where the stress is greatest, along the semielliptical surface. Parameters are disclosed for determining dimensions that result in increased energy efficiency.