Cache line history tracking using an instruction address register file storing memory location identifier

摘要

Embodiments relate to tracking cache lines. An aspect of embodiments includes performing an operation by a processor. Another aspect of embodiments includes fetching a cache line based on the operation. Yet another aspect of embodiments includes storing in an instruction address register file at least one of (i) an operation identifier identifying the operation and (ii) a memory location identifier identifying a level of memory from which the cache line is populated.

主权项

1. A computer system for tracking cache lines, the system comprising:
a processor, the processor comprising fetch request logic for retrieving items from memory, the system configured to perform a method comprising:
performing an instruction memory access operation, the processor executing program instructions associated with the memory access operation;fetching a cache line from a memory hierarchy based on the performing the operation, the memory hierarchy comprising at least one cache and a main storage, wherein the cache line is stored at an address in an original level of the memory hierarchy prior to the performing the memory access operation; andbased on the performing the operation, storing in an instruction address register file, at an entry corresponding to the cache line, a memory location identifier identifying the original level of the memory hierarchy and identifiers of one or more of the program instructions associated with the memory access operation, wherein the memory location identifier is different than the address; andproviding access to contents of the instruction address register file for sampling subsequent to completion of the performing, fetching, and storing.