多核处理器Cache一致性协议关键技术研究

多核处理器规模的不断扩大和核间通信机制的日益复杂,使得Cache一致性维护变得更加困难。本文从多核处理器Cache一致性问题的产生背景出发,分析监听协议、目录协议、Token协议和Hammer协议的实现机制以及在多核环境中的优缺点,分别从一致性协议与片上互连结构协同设计、面向低功耗应用的协议优化策略、Cache一致性协议验证及容错机制等角度考虑,对未来多核处理器Cache一致性协议设计的发展趋势和技术挑战进行详细分析与讨论。

Key Techniques of Cache Coherence Protocol for Multi-Core Processor

How to maintain the cache coherence becomes an intractable issue as the multi-core scales and communication mechanism between cores is complicated. After introducing the background of cache coherence in multi-core processor, this paper analyses the principles of traditional cache coherence protocols based on snooping, directory, Token and Hammer, respectively. The advantages and disadvantages are discussed in detail. Finally, the development trends and potential challenges are explored from the perspective of co-design of coherence protocol and on-chip interconnection, power-aware cache coherence policy, verification of coherence protocol, and fault-tolerant coherence protocol, respectively.