Patent ID: 6131144
Filing Date: 2000-10-10
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for caching a stack in a stack cache having a plurality of memory locations, an optop pointer pointed at a top memory location of said stack cache, and a bottom pointer pointed at a bottom memory location of said stack cache, said method comprising:writing a new data word for said stack at said top memory location pointed at by said optop pointer;incrementing said optop pointer;spilling a first data word stored in said bottom memory pointed at by said bottom pointer from said stack cache to said stack if a spill condition exists;filling a second data word from said stack to said bottom memory location pointed at by said bottom pointer, or to a memory location adjacent to said bottom memory location of said stack cache if a fill condition exists; andsuspending operation of said stack cache if an overflow condition or an underflow condition exists for said stack cache.