Using linked list for caches with variable length data

摘要

In general, the cache structure overcomes the deficiency of wasted tag space and reduces associativity. The method provides for storing a single tag along with a pointer to the actual data which is stored in a separate array which includes several lines. Each data block may have a variable length and occupy several lines. These lines are linked together to form a linked list. An invalidation mechanism allows invalidation of lines of the same data block, increasing data efficiency.