Cache snooping mode extending coherence protection for certain requests

Abstract

A cache memory includes a data array, a directory of contents of the data array that specifies coherence state information, and snoop logic that processes operations snooped from a system fabric by reference to the data array and the directory. The snoop logic, responsive to snooping on the system fabric a request of a first flush/clean memory access operation that specifies a target address, determines whether or not the cache memory has coherence ownership of the target address. Based on determining the cache memory has coherence ownership of the target address, the snoop logic services the request and thereafter enters a referee mode. While in the referee mode, the snoop logic protects a memory block identified by the target address against conflicting memory access requests by the plurality of processor cores until conclusion of a second flush/clean memory access operation that specifies the target address.