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Cache Memory Mapping Techniques

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Cache Memory Mapping Techniques

Uploaded by

satyaki.mandal2005
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Cache Memory Mapping Techniques

Abstract
Cache memory mapping techniques are essential for optimizing the performance of
computer systems by efficiently managing how data is stored and accessed in cache
memory. This document provides detailed notes on the various cache memory mapping
techniques, including direct mapping, associative mapping, and set-associative mapping.
Additionally, it includes important exam questions along with their answers and examples to
aid in understanding these concepts.

Content

1. Introduction to Cache Memory


Cache memory is a small-sized type of volatile computer memory that provides high-speed
data access to the processor. It stores frequently accessed data and instructions to reduce
the time it takes to retrieve them from the main memory (RAM).

2. Importance of Cache Memory Mapping Techniques


Cache memory mapping techniques determine how data from the main memory is mapped
to cache memory. The efficiency of these techniques directly impacts the overall
performance of the system. The three primary mapping techniques are:

• Direct Mapping
• Associative Mapping
• Set-Associative Mapping

3. Direct Mapping
In direct mapping, each block of main memory maps to exactly one cache line. The mapping
is done using the following formula:

Cache Line = (Block Number) mod (Number of Cache Lines)

#### Example:
• Suppose we have a cache with 4 lines and main memory with 16 blocks.
• Block 0 maps to Cache Line 0 (0 mod 4)
• Block 1 maps to Cache Line 1 (1 mod 4)
• Block 2 maps to Cache Line 2 (2 mod 4)
• Block 3 maps to Cache Line 3 (3 mod 4)
• Block 4 maps back to Cache Line 0 (4 mod 4)

#### Advantages:
• Simple to implement.
• Low hardware cost.

#### Disadvantages:
• High conflict misses if multiple blocks map to the same cache line.
4. Associative Mapping
In associative mapping, a block can be placed in any cache line. The cache uses tags to
identify which block is stored in which line.

#### Example:
• If a block from main memory is loaded into the cache, it can go into any of the cache
lines. The cache line will store the block along with its tag.

#### Advantages:
• Reduces conflict misses.
• More flexible than direct mapping.

#### Disadvantages:
• More complex and expensive to implement.
• Requires more hardware for tag comparison.

5. Set-Associative Mapping
Set-associative mapping is a hybrid of direct and associative mapping. The cache is divided
into several sets, and each set contains a number of lines. A block maps to a specific set but
can occupy any line within that set.

#### Example:
• If we have a 4-line cache divided into 2 sets (2 lines per set), the mapping would be:

• Set 0: Lines 0 and 1


• Set 1: Lines 2 and 3
• Block 0 maps to Set 0, Block 1 to Set 1, Block 2 to Set 0, etc.

#### Advantages:
• Balances the benefits of direct and associative mapping.
• Reduces conflict misses while being less complex than fully associative mapping.

#### Disadvantages:
• More complex than direct mapping.
• Requires more hardware than direct mapping.

6. Important Exam Questions

#### Question 1: Explain the differences between direct mapping, associative mapping, and
set-associative mapping.
Answer:
• Direct Mapping: Each block maps to one specific cache line. Simple but can lead to
high conflict misses.
• Associative Mapping: Any block can go into any cache line, reducing conflict misses
but increasing complexity.
• Set-Associative Mapping: A compromise where blocks map to a set of lines, allowing
flexibility while managing complexity.

#### Question 2: What are the advantages and disadvantages of direct mapping?
Answer:
• Advantages: Simple to implement, low hardware cost.
• Disadvantages: High conflict misses due to multiple blocks mapping to the same line.

#### Question 3: Provide an example of how a block is mapped in associative mapping.


Answer:
In associative mapping, if Block 5 from main memory is loaded into the cache, it can be
placed in any cache line (e.g., Line 0, Line 1, etc.). The cache will store Block 5 along with its
tag to identify it.

#### Question 4: How does set-associative mapping improve upon direct mapping?
Answer:
Set-associative mapping reduces conflict misses by allowing a block to be placed in any line
within a specific set, rather than being restricted to a single line as in direct mapping.

7. Conclusion
Understanding cache memory mapping techniques is crucial for optimizing computer
performance. Each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of
technique can significantly impact the efficiency of data retrieval. Mastery of these concepts
is essential for success in computer architecture and systems design.

8. References
• Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach by John L. Hennessy and David A.
Patterson.
• Operating System Concepts by Abraham Silberschatz, Peter B. Galvin, and Greg
Gagne.

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