Instruction Cache

Concept

In the cited instruction-set-simulator context, an instruction cache is an optimization that stores previously decoded instruction information so that repeated executions of the same instruction can reuse decode results instead of decoding the instruction word again.

First seen 5/26/2026

Last seen 5/26/2026

Evidence 4 chunks

Wiki v1

WIKI

Definition

An instruction cache in this context is a simulator-side cache for decoded instruction information. The cited work describes storing information about previously decoded instructions in a cache so that, when the same instruction is executed again, the simulator can reuse the stored information rather than decode the instruction again. This is presented as a way to obtain performance comparable to compiled simulation while retaining interpretive flexibility.

Role in instruction-set simulation

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RELATIONSHIPS

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Just-in-Time Compiled Simulation ← uses 100% 2e

Just-in-time compiled simulation stores decoded instruction information in a cache for reuse.

C++ Instruction Set Simulator ← uses 90% 2e

The generated C++ ISS employs caching of decoded instructions similar to JIT-CS to improve performance.

LINKED ENTITIES

2 links

Instruction Set Simulator used_in The evidence discusses caching decoded instruction information as an optimization inside generated instruction set simulators.

Instruction Decoding caches_results_of The evidence describes a decode macro that decomposes instruction words into bit fields and states that caching decode results avoids repeated instruction decoding.

CITATIONS

6 sources

6 citations — click to expand

[1] In JIT-CS, information on previously decoded instructions is stored in a cache and reused when the instruction is executed again. Generating an Efficient Instruction Set Simulator from a Complete Property Suite

[2] Reusing cached decoded-instruction information can achieve simulation performance comparable to compiled simulation without losing the flexibility of the interpretive approach. Generating an Efficient Instruction Set Simulator from a Complete Property Suite

[3] The decode macro decomposes an instruction word into bit fields according to the specification, and caching the decode results avoids repeated instruction decoding during simulation. Generating an Efficient Instruction Set Simulator from a Complete Property Suite

[4] The decoded fields of the current instruction word are kept in instruction_t, and this information can be used to avoid repeated decoding of the same instruction in the simulator. Generating an Efficient Instruction Set Simulator from a Complete Property Suite

[5] Software locality, for example from loop constructs, makes avoiding repeated decoding an efficient technique for decreasing simulation run time. Generating an Efficient Instruction Set Simulator from a Complete Property Suite

[6] The generated C++ instruction-set simulator includes public functions for next_state, decode, and interface macros, and its generated C++ class forms the simulator core. Generating an Efficient Instruction Set Simulator from a Complete Property Suite