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Method and apparatus for determining a desirable directory/data block ratio in a cache memory

  • US 5,802,600 A
  • Filed: 11/12/1996
  • Issued: 09/01/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/12/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for dynamically balancing storage allocations in a computer system that includes cache memory that is accessible from plural computer modules, each computer module including local memory for storage of data blocks, the cache memory including a first portion for storing plural data blocks and a second portion for storing directory entries, each directory entry including information regarding a validity status of an associated data block, said method comprising the steps of:

  • a) maintaining a first record of a number of cache misses over a time period, each cache miss occurring when a computer module does not find a desired data block resident in said cache memory;

    b) maintaining a second record of a number of false invalidations over a time period, each false invalidation occurring when a desired data block is resident in a computer module'"'"'s local memory but a directory entry for said desired data block with a validity status indication therefor, is absent from said cache memory; and

    c) employing said first record and second record to adjust a ratio of size allocations of said first portion and second portion so as to reduce at least one of said number of false invalidations and number of cache misses.

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