Patent ID: 6578130
Filing Date: 2003-06-10
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for prefetching data in a data processing system comprising a plurality of L1 caches and a plurality of L2 caches to control utilization of resources, the method comprising:a) defining a maximum number of allowable L2 cache prefetches; b) monitoring the actual number of L2 cache prefetches; c) receiving a request for an L2 cache prefetch; d) in response to said request, determining if the current actual number of L2 cache prefetches is less than the defined maximum number of allowable L2 cache prefetches; e) if the actual number of L2 cache prefetches is equal to the defined maximum number of allowable L2 cache prefetches, delaying the L2 cache from prefetching the data requested; and f) if the actual number of L2 cache prefetches is less than the maximum number of allowable L2 cache prefetches, permitting the L2 cache to prefetch the data requested.