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Cache Memory Simulation Explained

The document explains cache memory simulation, focusing on how data is stored and accessed in cache systems using various mapping techniques like direct-mapped, set-associative, and fully associative caches. It details the steps for simulating cache operations, including calculating hits and misses based on memory access patterns. Additionally, it provides an example and suggests enhancements for more complex simulations, such as set-associative and fully associative mapping.

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Melyang Intong
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0 views3 pages

Cache Memory Simulation Explained

The document explains cache memory simulation, focusing on how data is stored and accessed in cache systems using various mapping techniques like direct-mapped, set-associative, and fully associative caches. It details the steps for simulating cache operations, including calculating hits and misses based on memory access patterns. Additionally, it provides an example and suggests enhancements for more complex simulations, such as set-associative and fully associative mapping.

Uploaded by

Melyang Intong
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Cache Memory Simulation Explained

A cache memory simulation involves understanding how data is stored, accessed, and retrieved
from the cache in a computer system. It helps learners visualize and practice how caching
mechanisms work, including concepts like direct mapping, set-associative mapping, and fully
associative mapping.

Key Concepts in Cache Memory

1. Cache Memory: A smaller, faster type of memory located closer to the CPU, used to
temporarily store frequently accessed data to reduce latency.
2. Mapping Techniques: Determine how data is placed in the cache.
o Direct-Mapped Cache: Each memory block maps to exactly one cache block.
o Set-Associative Cache: A memory block can map to one of several blocks in a
set.
o Fully Associative Cache: A memory block can be placed in any cache block.
3. Cache Blocks: Divide the cache into small, equally sized units called blocks.
4. Hit and Miss:
o Cache Hit: The requested data is found in the cache.
o Cache Miss: The requested data is not in the cache, requiring access to main
memory.

How Cache Simulation Works

The simulation helps learners manually calculate cache hits and misses using a hypothetical
memory and cache setup. Here’s how it works step-by-step:

Step 1: Understand the Cache Configuration

 Cache Size: Number of blocks in the cache.


 Block Size: Number of bytes per block.
 Mapping Technique: Determine how memory addresses map to cache blocks.

Step 2: Use a Formula for Direct Mapping

For a direct-mapped cache, each memory address maps to a specific cache block based on the
formula:
Cache Block=(Memory Address)mod (Cache Size)\text{Cache Block} = (\text{Memory
Address}) \mod (\text{Cache Size})

 This means the memory address is divided by the number of cache blocks, and the
remainder determines the cache block.

Step 3: Analyze Memory Access Patterns

 Write down the sequence of memory addresses accessed by the CPU.


 For each address:
o Calculate which cache block it maps to.
o Check if it’s a hit or miss:
 Hit: The data is already in the cache.
 Miss: The data is not in the cache and needs to be loaded.

Step 4: Track Hits and Misses

 Maintain a record to count cache hits and misses for each memory access.
 Determine the hit rate using the formula:

Hit Rate=Number of HitsTotal Memory Accesses\text{Hit Rate} = \frac{\text{Number of Hits}}


{\text{Total Memory Accesses}}

Cache Simulation Example

Given:

 Cache size: 4 blocks


 Memory addresses accessed: 5, 9, 7, 5, 20, 9

Solution:

1. Calculate Cache Block for Each Address:


Using the formula Cache Block=(Memory Address)mod (Cache Size)\text{Cache
Block} = (\text{Memory Address}) \mod (\text{Cache Size}):
o Address 5: 5mod 4=15 \mod 4 = 1 → Block 1
o Address 9: 9mod 4=19 \mod 4 = 1 → Block 1
o Address 7: 7mod 4=37 \mod 4 = 3 → Block 3
o Address 20: 20mod 4=020 \mod 4 = 0 → Block 0
2. Determine Hits and Misses:
o 5 → Miss (Block 1 is empty; load data)
o 9 → Miss (Block 1 contains 5; replace with 9)
o 7 → Miss (Block 3 is empty; load data)
o 5 → Miss (Block 1 contains 9; replace with 5)
o 20 → Miss (Block 0 is empty; load data)
o 9 → Miss (Block 1 contains 5; replace with 9)
3. Results:
o Total Hits: 0
o Total Misses: 6
o Hit Rate: 06=0%\frac{0}{6} = 0\%

Enhancing the Simulation

1. Set-Associative Mapping:
Allow flexibility by dividing the cache into sets and allowing a memory block to map to
multiple blocks in a set.
2. Fully Associative Mapping:
A memory block can be placed in any cache block. Use replacement policies like LRU
(Least Recently Used) to decide which block to replace during a miss.

Worksheet for Practice

Instructions:

1. Use the given memory address sequence and cache configuration.


2. Map each address to a cache block.
3. Record hits and misses, and compute the hit rate.

Example Questions:

| Memory Address Sequence | 3, 7, 3, 15, 7, 31 | | Cache Size (Blocks) | 4 |

Memory Address Cache Block (Direct Mapping) Hit/Miss


3
7
3
15
7
31

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