Systems and methods for direct data access in multi-level cache memory hierarchies

Abstract

Methods and systems for in direct data access in, e.g., multi-level cache memory systems are described. A cache memory system includes a cache location buffer configured to store cache location entries, wherein each cache location entry includes an address tag and a cache location table which are associated with a respective cacheline stored in a cache memory. The system also includes a first cache memory configured to store cachelines, each cacheline having data and an identity of a corresponding cache location entry in the cache location buffer, and a second cache memory configured to store cachelines, each cacheline having data and an identity of a corresponding cache location entry in the cache location buffer. Responsive to a memory access request for a cacheline, the cache location buffer generates access information using one of the cache location tables which enables access to the cacheline without performing a tag comparison at the one of the first and second cache memories.