Cache memory system employing virtual address primary instruction and data caches and physical address secondary cache

摘要

A two-level cache memory system for use in a computer system including two primary cache memories, one for storing instruction and one for storing data. The system also includes a secondary cache memory for storing both instructions and data. The primary and secondary caches each employ their own separate tag directory. The primary caches use a virtual addressing scheme employing both virtual tags and virtual addresses. The secondary cache employs a hybrid addressing scheme which uses virtual tags and partial physical addresses. The primary and secondary caches operate in parallel unless the larger and slower secondary cache is busy performing a previous operation. Only if a "miss" is encountered in both the primary and secondary caches does the system processor access the main memory.