| 摘要 |
Set associative cache 40 comprises a plurality of ways, each way comprising a data array 42, 44 for storing data items. Way tracker 54 has entries 56, each storing a data item identifier (ADDRESS) and an associated indication (WAY) of the way where it is stored. Each entry further stores a known cache miss indicator (KCM) associated with the data item identifier and set when a lookup for the data item results in a cache miss. When a match is found between the identifiers of a received data item and an entry, the way-tracker suppresses the lookup procedure of tag arrays 46 by access circuit 48, saving time and energy. When the match is with an entry having a stored miss indicator, access to the data arrays of all ways is suppressed. The way-tracker is like a small subset of the tag array 46 which, being smaller, is accessed faster. |
