Microsoft Corporation
Optimizing access to page table entries in processor-based devices

Abstract:

Optimizing access to page table entries in processor-based devices is disclosed. In this regard, an instruction decode stage of an execution pipeline of a processor-based device receives a memory access instruction including a virtual memory address. A page table walker circuit of the processor-based device determines, based on the memory access instruction, a number T of page table walk levels to traverse, where T is greater than zero (0) and less than or equal to a number of page table walk levels required to fully translate the virtual memory address. The page table walker next performs a page table walk of T page table walk levels of the multilevel page table, and identifies a physical memory address corresponding to a page table entry of the T.sup.th page table walk level. The processor-based device then performs a memory access operation indicated by the memory access instruction using the physical memory address.