Alternative direct-mapped cache and cache replacement method

摘要

A method includes storing a first block of main memory in a cache line of a direct-mapped cache, storing a first tag in a current tag field of the cache line, wherein the first tag identifies a first memory address for the first block of main memory, and storing a second tag in a previous miss tag field of the cache line in response to receiving a memory reference having a tag that does not match the tag stored in the current tag field. The second tag identifies a second memory address for a second block of main memory, and the first and second blocks are both mapped to the cache line. The method may further include storing a binary value in a last reference bit field to indicate whether the most recently received memory reference was directed to the current tag field or previous miss tag field.