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GATE | GATE-CS-2016 (Set 2) | Question 42

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The width of the physical address on a machine is 40 bits. The width of the tag field in a 512 KB 8-way set associative cache is ____________ bits
(A) 24
(B) 20
(C) 30
(D) 40


Answer: (A)

Explanation: An easy approach would be we know that physical address is 40 bytes

We know cache size = no.of.sets*
                     lines-per-set*
                     block-size

Let us assume no of sets = 2^x 
And block size= 2^y

So applying it in formula.
2^19 = 2^x + 8 + 2^y;
So x+y = 16

Now we know that to address block size and 
set number we need 16 bits so remaining bits
must be for tag 
i.e., 40 - 16 = 24
The answer is 24 bits 

If question extends and asks as what is the size of comparator, we need then it is 24 bit comparator.

The above explanation is contributed by Sumanth Sunny

Alternate Explanation:

Physical Address Bits = T(Tag Bits) + S(Set Bits) + O(Offset Bits) = 40 bits    (given)
Set = 8    (given)
Size of cache = 512 KB     (given)

Size of lines = 512 / 8 = 64 KB 
So, O = 64/8 = 8 bits

Now, S + O = 8 + 8 = 16 bits
Hence, T = 40 - 16 = 24 bits 

physical-address-structure

This explanation is contributed by Mohit Gupta.

Refer the following links for more understanding in the above topic:

Cache Memory
Cache Organization | Introduction



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Last Updated : 29 Sep, 2021
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