Invention Grant
US07958312B2 Small and power-efficient cache that can provide data for background DMA devices while the processor is in a low-power state 有权
小而高功效的缓存,可在处理器处于低功耗状态时为背景DMA设备提供数据

Small and power-efficient cache that can provide data for background DMA devices while the processor is in a low-power state
Abstract:
Small and power-efficient buffer/mini-cache sources and sinks selected DMA accesses directed to a memory space included in a coherency domain of a microprocessor when cached data in the microprocessor is inaccessible due to any or all of the microprocessor being in a low-power state not supporting snooping. Satisfying the selected DMA accesses via the buffer/mini-cache enables reduced power consumption by allowing the microprocessor (or portion thereof) to remain in the low-power state. The buffer/mini-cache may be operated (temporarily) incoherently with respect to the cached data in the microprocessor and flushed before deactivation to synchronize with the cached data when the microprocessor (or portion thereof) transitions to a high-power state that enables snooping. Alternatively the buffer/mini-cache may be operated in a manner (incrementally) coherent with the cached data. The microprocessor implements one or more processors having associated cache systems (such as various arrangements of first-, second-, and higher-level caches).
Information query
Patent Agency Ranking
0/0