Patent ID: 6976126
Filing Date: 2005-12-13
Classification: G06F,Y02D

Abstract:
1. A data processing apparatus comprising: an ‘n’ way set-associative cache, each cache way having a plurality of entries for storing a corresponding plurality of data values; a cache controller operable on receipt of an access request for a data value to determine whether that data value is accessible within said cache, said cache comprising cache access logic operable under the control of said cache controller to determine whether a data value the subject of an access request is accessible in one of said cache ways; a way lookup cache arranged to store an indication of the cache way in which a number of said plurality of data values stored in said cache are accessible; and said cache controller being operable, only when an access request for a data value specifies a non-sequential access, to reference said way lookup cache to determine whether that data value is identified in said way lookup cache and, if so, said cache controller being further operable to suppress the operation of said access logic and to cause that data value to be accessed.