Patent ID: 6085294
Filing Date: 2000-07-04
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for distributing data dependency stalls in a multiprocessor computer system including a first one of a plurality of central processing units, said method comprising the steps of:a) maintaining a plurality of entries in a miss address file coupled to said first central processing unit, each of said entries associated with each of a first set of commands issued by said first central processing unit;b) stalling a first one of a set of probe messages, stored in a probe queue coupled to said first central processing unit, responsive to one of said plurality of entries in said miss address file associated with a data element targeted by said probe message;c) restarting said first one of said set of probe messages responsive to a change in said one of said entries in said miss address file associated with said data element targeted by said probe message;d) monitoring a state of each of a plurality of probe queues, each individual one of said plurality of probe queues coupled to different ones of said plurality of central processing units, said state indicating whether each of said plurality of probe queues is stalled; ande) stalling a central arbitration circuit, coupled to said first central processing unit, responsive to said state of said plurality of probe queues.