Cache Memory Simulation Explained
A cache memory simulation involves understanding how data is stored, accessed, and retrieved
from the cache in a computer system. It helps learners visualize and practice how caching
mechanisms work, including concepts like direct mapping, set-associative mapping, and fully
associative mapping.
Key Concepts in Cache Memory
1. Cache Memory: A smaller, faster type of memory located closer to the CPU, used to
temporarily store frequently accessed data to reduce latency.
2. Mapping Techniques: Determine how data is placed in the cache.
o Direct-Mapped Cache: Each memory block maps to exactly one cache block.
o Set-Associative Cache: A memory block can map to one of several blocks in a
set.
o Fully Associative Cache: A memory block can be placed in any cache block.
3. Cache Blocks: Divide the cache into small, equally sized units called blocks.
4. Hit and Miss:
o Cache Hit: The requested data is found in the cache.
o Cache Miss: The requested data is not in the cache, requiring access to main
memory.
How Cache Simulation Works
The simulation helps learners manually calculate cache hits and misses using a hypothetical
memory and cache setup. Here’s how it works step-by-step:
Step 1: Understand the Cache Configuration
Cache Size: Number of blocks in the cache.
Block Size: Number of bytes per block.
Mapping Technique: Determine how memory addresses map to cache blocks.
Step 2: Use a Formula for Direct Mapping
For a direct-mapped cache, each memory address maps to a specific cache block based on the
formula:
Cache Block=(Memory Address)mod (Cache Size)\text{Cache Block} = (\text{Memory
Address}) \mod (\text{Cache Size})
This means the memory address is divided by the number of cache blocks, and the
remainder determines the cache block.
Step 3: Analyze Memory Access Patterns
Write down the sequence of memory addresses accessed by the CPU.
For each address:
o Calculate which cache block it maps to.
o Check if it’s a hit or miss:
Hit: The data is already in the cache.
Miss: The data is not in the cache and needs to be loaded.
Step 4: Track Hits and Misses
Maintain a record to count cache hits and misses for each memory access.
Determine the hit rate using the formula:
Hit Rate=Number of HitsTotal Memory Accesses\text{Hit Rate} = \frac{\text{Number of Hits}}
{\text{Total Memory Accesses}}
Cache Simulation Example
Given:
Cache size: 4 blocks
Memory addresses accessed: 5, 9, 7, 5, 20, 9
Solution:
1. Calculate Cache Block for Each Address:
Using the formula Cache Block=(Memory Address)mod (Cache Size)\text{Cache
Block} = (\text{Memory Address}) \mod (\text{Cache Size}):
o Address 5: 5mod 4=15 \mod 4 = 1 → Block 1
o Address 9: 9mod 4=19 \mod 4 = 1 → Block 1
o Address 7: 7mod 4=37 \mod 4 = 3 → Block 3
o Address 20: 20mod 4=020 \mod 4 = 0 → Block 0
2. Determine Hits and Misses:
o 5 → Miss (Block 1 is empty; load data)
o 9 → Miss (Block 1 contains 5; replace with 9)
o 7 → Miss (Block 3 is empty; load data)
o 5 → Miss (Block 1 contains 9; replace with 5)
o 20 → Miss (Block 0 is empty; load data)
o 9 → Miss (Block 1 contains 5; replace with 9)
3. Results:
o Total Hits: 0
o Total Misses: 6
o Hit Rate: 06=0%\frac{0}{6} = 0\%
Enhancing the Simulation
1. Set-Associative Mapping:
Allow flexibility by dividing the cache into sets and allowing a memory block to map to
multiple blocks in a set.
2. Fully Associative Mapping:
A memory block can be placed in any cache block. Use replacement policies like LRU
(Least Recently Used) to decide which block to replace during a miss.
Worksheet for Practice
Instructions:
1. Use the given memory address sequence and cache configuration.
2. Map each address to a cache block.
3. Record hits and misses, and compute the hit rate.
Example Questions:
| Memory Address Sequence | 3, 7, 3, 15, 7, 31 | | Cache Size (Blocks) | 4 |
Memory Address Cache Block (Direct Mapping) Hit/Miss
3
7
3
15
7
31
