Partitioned single array cache memory having first and second storage regions for storing non-branch and branch instructions

摘要

A cache memory which is partitioned during write operations into several regions in a programmable or adaptive manner is disclosed. Each region is used to store a different type of data. The partitioning of the cache memory has no effect during read operations. The partitioning can be achieved dynamically for improved optimization. The partitioned cache is particularly suited for an instruction cache wherein one of the regions stores sequential instructions and another region stores branch target instructions. However, the partitioned cache is also useful for a data cache.