Stack simulation for set-associative V/R-type caches

Abstract

Efficient stack simulation has been successfully applied in physically indexed caches with physical or real tags to generate the number of misses and write backs for various cache configurations in a single run. The authors devise a stack simulation algorithm for virtually indexed caches with real tags. Using markers with a valid range for synonym lines, the algorithm is able to keep track of stack distances for various cache configurations. In addition to cache miss ratios and number of write backs, the algorithm reports pseudonym frequency for all cache configurations under investigation. A one-pass cache simulator based on the algorithm is developed, and its results on sample traces are reported.<>