Question

A CPU has 32 KB cache, 2-way set associative, 16-byte block size. How many bits are required to use index each set in this cache?

Answer 1

10 bits

Step-by-step explanation:

Cache size = 32 KB

We were also given that it is 2 way set associative

Block size = 16 bytes = 2^4 = 4 bits for offset

Number of blocks = cache size / block size = (32*2^10) / 16

=2^11

Hence, index = number of blocks / 2 (since 2 way associative)

=(2^11)/2 = 2^10 = 10 bits for index