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Method for generating prefetch instruction with a field specifying type of information and location for it such as an instruction cache or data cache

  • US 5,796,971 A
  • Filed: 08/22/1997
  • Issued: 08/18/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/07/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for use by a computer which has a main memory for maintaining stored information which is either data or instructions and a cache memory including a data cache and an instruction cache, said method for enhancing an already existing prefetch instruction for use by a prefetch unit, comprising the steps of:

  • receiving said already existing prefetch instruction;

    adding a dynamically adjustable unfilled instruction/data field to form an annexed prefetch instruction;

    receiving said annexed prefetch instruction including said dynamically adjustable unfilled instruction/data field; and

    filling said dynamically adjustable unfilled instruction/data field with a prefetch type value which indicates whether said stored information is instructions or data, such indicating whether to store said information in said instruction cache or in said data cache to generate an enhanced prefetch instruction.

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