The pipeline burst cache is a secondary cache also known as the L2 cache that makes it possible for data to be transferred much quicker by spreading data being fetched from memory over three entire clock cycles. It’s an essential part of microprocessors that use superscalar architecture, but it does require a specific, matching and synchronous type of RAM called SDRAM in order to function.
Technipages Explains Pipeline Burst Cache
This type of RAM is one whose chips can synchronize with the microprocessor’s clock, and can thus measure and follow its clock cycles easily. By spreading over three such cycles, there is a minor delay initially, but once that’s done, the cache can place requests in a queue and any subsequent fetch requests then only take one cycle, meaning that overall, things run much faster than they would without the L2 cache.
Pipeline burst caches also support burst mode transfers – by taking advantage of the SDRAM chips, the pipeline can also deliver a group or line of cache contents at once when the processor asks for the first item in that line or group. This means that everything else is essentially preloaded and available much faster than if each item has to be requested manually and specifically. In effect, the introduction and use of pipeline burst caches reduces processor wait time and increases the cache memory operations.
The L2 cache generally works in one of two modes – the aforementioned burst mode, and the standard pipelining mode. Information can only be pre-fetched in burst made, while in pipelining mode, the cache makes its content available to both the cache and the RAM.
Common Uses of Pipeline Burst Cache
- Pipeline burst caches are designed to reduce the wait time of the processor.
- Within a superscalar setup, pipeline burst caches only work in combination with SDRAM.
- CPU architecture featuring a pipeline burst cache can significantly speed up the fetching of data by the system.
Common Misuses of Pipeline Burst Cache
- The pipeline burst cache in a processor is a backup for the pipeline system that activates when something goes wrong and data ‘bursts’ free.
