Method and system for accessing a cache memory within a data-processing system utilizing a pre-calculated comparison array

摘要

A cache memory within a data processing system. The cache memory includes a number of cache lines over which data may be transferred. The cache memory also includes a translation lookaside buffer for associating real addresses with virtual addresses. Virtual segment identifiers are stored within the translation lookaside buffer. In addition, the cache memory includes a comparison array for cross referencing virtual segment identifiers with effective addresses. The comparison array includes spaces populated with indications of whether or not a particular virtual segment identifier maintained within the translation lookaside buffer corresponds to a particular effective address. The comparison array allows a comparison to be performed in advance between effective addresses within the cache memory and all possible virtual segment identifiers maintained in the translation lookaside buffer prior to any conversion of virtual addresses to real addresses. In addition, each virtual segment identifier is composed of a portion of a virtual address.