Patent ID: 8458408
Filing Date: 2013-06-04
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method of prefetching sequential values from a lower level of a memory hierarchy into a cache memory at a higher level of the memory hierarchy, the method comprising: receiving an access request for a value at the cache memory; determining whether or not a cache line containing the value is present in the cache memory; responsive to determining the cache line is present in the cache memory, retrieving a first indicator associated with the cache line that indicates whether or not the cache line has been previously accessed since the cache line was prefetched; determining whether or not the cache line has been previously accessed in conformity with a value of the first indicator; and responsive to determining that the cache line has not been previously accessed, requesting loading, from the lower level of a memory hierarchy, of another line of values into the cache memory having a sequential relationship with the cache line, whereby the cache memory triggers automatic prefetching of cache lines ahead of requests for access to their values.