Tasks distribution in a multi-processor including a translation lookaside buffer shared between processors

Abstract

A system comprises a first processor, a second processor coupled to the first processor, an operating system that executes exclusively only on the first processor and not on the second processor, and a middle layer software running on the first processor and that distributes tasks to run on either or both processors. A synchronization unit coupled to the first and second processors also may be provided to synchronize the processors. Further still, a translation lookaside buffer may be included that is shared between the processors. Each entry in the translation lookaside buffer ('TLB') may include a task identifier to permit the operating system or middle layer software to selectively flush only some of the TLB entries (e.g., the entries pertaining to only one of the processors).