Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides parallel processing of write-back and reload operations in a cache system and optimum circuit utilisation by implementing moveable buffers in a cache storage. However, the data and associated pointers are not permanently assigned to a particular buffer--hence, the buffers can move logically around in the facility. Reload pointer is pointing to an empty entry so that retrieved data from the main memory or equal hierarchy cache on cache miss can be always be accommodated. Victim pointer is always pointing to a modified entry for the next candidate of write-back operation. Write-back operation is necessary with reload operation in order to make a free entry for further cache miss handling unless free entry exists. Because of these moveable pointers for reload buffer and victim buffer and integrated write-back buffer in the cache, intra cache data movement is not necessary which improves cache miss handling performance.

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First Claim