Hierarchical cache structure and handling thereof

摘要

A hierarchical cache structure includes at least one real indexed higher level cache with a directory and a unified cache array for data and instructions, and at least two lower level caches, each split in an instruction cache and a data cache. An instruction cache of a split real indexed second level cache includes a directory and a corresponding cache array connected to the real indexed third level cache. A data cache of the split second level cache includes a directory connected to the third level cache. An instruction cache of a split virtually indexed first level cache is connected to the second level instruction cache. A cache array of a data cache of the first level cache is connected to the cache array of the second level instruction cache and to the cache array of the third level cache. A directory of the first level data cache is connected to the second level instruction cache directory and to the third level cache directory.

主权项

1. A computer program product for handling a hierarchical cache structure, said computer program product comprising:
a computer readable storage medium readable by a processing circuit and storing instructions for execution by the processing circuit for performing a method comprising:
initiating requests by a real indexed cache at one level of a hierarchical cache structure to a real indexed cache at another level of the hierarchical cache structure;initiating requests by a virtually indexed cache to said real indexed cache at the one level; andinitiating other requests by said virtually indexed cache to said real indexed cache at the one level and to said real indexed cache at the another level.