Synopsys, Inc.
Modulization of cache structure utilizing independent tag array and data array in microprocessor

Abstract:

Embodiments of the present disclosure support implementation of a Level-1 (L1) cache in a microprocessor based on independently accessed data and tag arrays. Presented implementations of L1 cache do not require any stall pipeline mechanism for stalling execution of instructions, leading to improved microprocessor performance. A data array in the cache is interfaced with one or more data index queues that comprise, upon occurrence of a conflict between at least one instruction requesting access to the data array and at least one other instruction that accessed the data array, at least one data index for accessing the data array associated with the at least one instruction. A tag array in the cache is interfaced with a tag queue that stores one or more tag entries associated with one or more data outputs read from the data array based on accessing the data array.