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Cacti: An enhanced cache access and cycle time model


Author(s) : Steven J. E. Wilton, 
Publisher : N/A
Publication Date : 1996
ISSN : N/A
Abstract : This paper describes an analytical model for the access and cycle times of on-chip directmapped and set-associative caches. The inputs to the model are the cache size, block size, and associativity, aswell as array organization and process parameters. The model gives estimates that are within 6 % of Hspice results for the circuits we have chosen. This model extends previous models and xes many of their major shortcomings. New features include models for the tag array, comparator, and multiplexor drivers, non-step stage input slopes, rectangular stacking of memory subarrays, a transistor-level decoder model, column-multiplexed bitlines controlled by an additional array organizational parameter, load-dependent size transistors for wordline drivers, and output of cycle times as well as access times. Software implementing the model is available via ftp. 1,