Method and apparatus for sub cache line access and storage allowing access to sub cache lines before completion of line fill

摘要

A method and apparatus for tracking the fill status of subcache line locations during a cache line fill operation is provided. The tracking system monitors the data cycles of a burst read during a cache line fill, and sets indicators pertaining to which of the sub cache lines within the cache line have been filled. Cache control utilizes the indicators to make those sub cache lines that have been filled available to a processing system as they are filled, rather than waiting for the entire cache line to be filled. Data is stored directly into sub cache line locations without requiring a cache line buffer.