Simplified cache hierarchy by using multiple tags and entries into a large subdivided array

摘要

A system and method for reducing the power and the size of a cache memory is implemented by creating a large cache which is subdivided into a smaller cache. One tag controls both the large cache and the smaller, subdivided cache. A second tag controls only the smaller cache. In addition to saving power and area, this system and method may be used to reduce the write-through and write-back effort, improve the latency and the coherency of a cache memory, and improve the ability of multiprocessor system to snoop cache memory.