Direct Mapping in Cache
Direct mapping is a cache management technique used in computer architecture to efficiently store frequently accessed data. Here's how it works:
- Cache and Main Memory: In a computer system, there is main memory (RAM) and cache memory. The cache stores frequently accessed data to speed up access times.
- Cache Lines and Main Memory Blocks: Both the cache and main memory are divided into fixed-size blocks or lines, with each main memory block corresponding to a cache line.
- Direct Mapping: Each main memory block is mapped to a specific cache location using a mathematical function, typically involving a modulo operation.
- Cache Tag: To identify the corresponding data in the cache, a cache tag is used, which is compared to the requested address.
- Cache Replacement: Due to possible conflicts, a cache replacement policy is used to determine which block is replaced when a cache line is already occupied.
Direct mapping is a simple and efficient technique, commonly used in computer systems to manage cache memory.