Cache coherence during emulation

摘要

A processor core (102) is provided that is a programmable digital signal processor (DSP) with variable instruction length, offering both high code density and easy programming. Architecture and instruction set are optimized for low power consumption and high efficiency execution of DSP algorithms, such as for wireless telephones, as well as pure control tasks. A cache (814) located within a megacell on a single integrated circuit (800) is provided to reduce instruction access time. The cache is for instructions only so that cache coherency measures due to writing data are not needed. Cache coherence circuitry (816) is included within the megacell and monitors selected signals to maintain coherence within the cache during emulation and debugging operations.