Patent ID: 8473689
Filing Date: 2013-06-25
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for prefetching memory in caching systems, comprising: receiving a request for a memory line having an associated address; in response to a request for a memory line determining whether the memory line is stored in a prefetch buffer, the prefetch buffer having a plurality of prefetch buffer entries, each prefetch buffer entry including a data field for storing a corresponding memory line, an address field for storing an address corresponding to the memory line and an prefetch indicator field for storing an indication whether a memory line next adjacent to the corresponding memory line is stored in the prefetch buffer; if the requested memory line is stored in the prefetch buffer supplying the requested memory line from the prefetch buffer; if the requested memory line is not stored in the prefetch buffer following supply of the requested memory line, accessing the prefetch indicator field of the prefetch entry allocated to the requested memory line to determine whether the next adjacent memory line has been prefetched; and in response to a determination of the accessed prefetch indicator field that indicates the next adjacent memory has not been prefetched