Abstract: Techniques for invalidating cache lines are provided. The techniques include issuing, to a first level of a memory hierarchy, a weak exclusive read request for a speculatively executing store instruction; determining whether to invalidate one or more cache lines associated with the store instruction in one or more memories; and issuing the weak invalidation request to additional levels of the memory hierarchy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cache replacement are disclosed. Techniques are described that determine a re-reference interval prediction (RRIP) value of respective data blocks in a cache, where an RRIP value represents a likelihood that a respective data block will be re-used within a time interval. Upon an access, by a processor, to a data segment in a memory, if the data segment is not stored in the cache, a data block in the cache to be replaced by the data segment is selected, utilizing a binary tree that tracks recency of data blocks in the cache.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a bus lock and a translation lookaside buffer invalidate transaction includes receiving, by a lock master, a lock request from a first processor in a system. The lock master sends a quiesce request to all processors in the system, and upon receipt of the quiesce request from the lock master, all processors cease issuing any new transactions and issue a quiesce granted transaction. Upon receipt of the quiesce granted transactions from all processors, the lock master issues a lock granted message that includes an identifier of the first processor. The first processor performs an atomic transaction sequence and sends a first lock release message to the lock master upon completion of the atomic transaction sequence. The lock master sends a second lock release message to all processors upon receiving the first lock release message from the first processor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a bus lock and a translation lookaside buffer invalidate transaction includes receiving, by a lock master, a lock request from a first processor in a system. The lock master sends a quiesce request to all processors in the system, and upon receipt of the quiesce request from the lock master, all processors cease issuing any new transactions and issue a quiesce granted transaction. Upon receipt of the quiesce granted transactions from all processors, the lock master issues a lock granted message that includes an identifier of the first processor. The first processor performs an atomic transaction sequence and sends a first lock release message to the lock master upon completion of the atomic transaction sequence. The lock master sends a second lock release message to all processors upon receiving the first lock release message from the first processor.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a circuit and method for optimizing an index hashing function in a cache memory on a microprocessor. A programmable index hashing function is designed that allows the index hashing function to be programmed after the microprocessor has been fabricated. The index hashing function may be “tuned” by running an application on the microprocessor and observing the performance of the cache memory based on the type of index hashing function used. The index hashing function may be programmed by several methods.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a circuit and method for optimizing an index hashing function in a cache memory on a microprocessor. A programmable index hashing function is designed that allows the index hashing function to be programmed after the microprocessor has been fabricated. The index hashing function may be “tuned” by running an application on the microprocessor and observing the performance of the cache memory based on the type of index hashing function used. The index hashing function may be programmed by several methods.