Multiplexed directory for dedicated cache memory system

摘要

Apparatus for avoiding ambiguous data in a multi-requestor computing system of the type wherein each of the requestors has its own dedicated cache memory. Each requestor has access to its own dedicated cache memory for purposes of ascertaining whether a particular data word is present in its cache memory and of obtaining that data word directly from its cache memory without the necessity of referencing main memory. Each requestor also has access to all other dedicated cache memories for purposes of invalidating a particular data word contained therein when that same particular data word has been written by that requestor into its own dedicated cache memory. Requestors and addresses in a particular cache memory are time multiplexed in such a way as to allow a particular dedicated cache memory to service invalidate requests from other requestors without sacrificing speed of reference or cycle time of the particular dedicated cache memory from servicing read requests from its own requestor.