Method and apparatus for dynamic prefetch buffer configuration and replacement

摘要

A memory controller and method thereof configures a prefetch buffer dynamically for interfacing between multiple bus masters of different burst support and multiple memories having different characteristics. A line size of at least a portion of the prefetch buffer is modified based upon the memory controller receiving a read request from one of the bus masters. An adaptive method to optimally replace prefetch buffer lines uses prioritized status field information to determine which buffer line to replace.