Method and apparatus for storing multiple entry types and ordering information using a single addressable storage array

摘要

A method and apparatus for storing and reading an entry having one of a plurality of entry types and storing order information about stored entries, using a single addressable storage array. An index pipe maintains first in, first out order of the entries stored in the addressable storage array. Stages in the index pipe store a value representing the address of the stored entry in the storage array, the type of the stored entry, and the validity of the stored entry. Additional control logic implements order rules between entry types.