Processor and method for memory performance monitoring utilizing a monitor flag and first and second allocators for allocating virtual memory regions

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses relating to memory performance monitoring are described, including a processor and method for memory performance monitoring utilizing a monitor flag and first and second allocators for allocating virtual memory regions. In one embodiment, a processor includes at least one core, a performance monitoring unit, and a memory management unit including a first allocator to allocate a first virtual memory region of a memory for a first data structure, and a second allocator to allocate a second, different virtual memory region of the memory for a second data structure, wherein the memory management unit is to enable the performance monitoring unit to monitor a memory access request from the at least one core when a monitor flag is set for the first virtual memory region or the second, different virtual memory region, and a translation lookaside buffer (TLB) comprising a protection key for a page of a page table, wherein the is to translate a virtual address of the memory access request to a physical address and to set the monitor flag when the page includes the virtual address of the memory access request and the protection key indexes into a key register that indicates the virtual address of the memory access request is to be monitored, wherein the memory management unit is to append the monitor flag to the physical address.