4

Cache and External Interfaces

This chapter describes the 21264/EV68A cache and external interface, which includes the second-level cache (Bcache) interface and the system interface. It also describes locks, interrupt signals, and ECC/parity generation. It is organized as follows:

•Introduction to the external interfaces

•Physical address considerations

•Bcache structure

•Victim data buffer

•Cache coherency

•Lock mechanism

•System port

•Bcache port

•Interrupts

Chapter 3 lists and defines all 21264/EV68A hardware interface signal pins. Chapter 9 describes the 21264/EV68A hardware interface electrical requirements.

4.1 Introduction to the External Interfaces

A 21264/EV68A-based system can be divided into three major sections:

•21264/EV68A microprocessor

•Second-level Bcache

•System interface logic

–Optional duplicate tag store

–Optional lock register

–Optional victim buffers

The 21264/EV68A external interface is flexible and mandates few design rules, allow- ing a wide range of prospective systems. The external interface is composed of the Bcache interface and the system interface.

•Input clocks must have the same frequency as their corresponding output clock. For example, the frequency of SysAddInClk_L must be the same as SysAddOutClk_L.

21264/EV68A Hardware Reference Manual

Cache and External Interfaces 4–1

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Compaq EV68A specifications Cache and External Interfaces, Introduction to the External Interfaces