Using Dataflow Analysis Techniques to Reduce Ownership Overhead in Cache Coherence Protocols

Abstract

In this article we explore the potential of classical dataflow analysis techniques in removing overhead in write-invalidate cache coherence protocols for shared-memory multiprocessors. We construct three compiler algorithms with varying degree of sophistication that detect loads followed by stores to the same address. Such loads are marked and constitute a hint to the cache to obtain an exclusive copy of the block so that the subsequent store does not introduce access penalties. The simplest of the three compiler algorithms analyzes the existence of load-store sequences within each basic block of code whereas the other two analyze load-store sequences across basic blocks at the intraprocedural level. The algorithms have been incorporated into an optimizing C compiler, and we have evaluated their efficiencies by compiling and executing seven parallel programs on a simulated multiprocessor. Our results show that the detection efficiency of the most aggressive algorithm is 96% or higher for four of the seven programs studied. We also compare the efficiency of these static algorithms with that of dynamic hardware-based algorithms that reduce ownership overhead. We find that the static analysis using classical dataflow analysis results in similar performance improvements as dynamic hardware-based approaches.