Cache Simulator
- Client
Academic project for computer architecture
- Technologies
Rust, Command-Line Interface, Performance Analytics
- Links
Overview
A high-performance cache simulator implemented in Rust, designed to model and analyze cache behavior under various configurations. It processes memory access patterns from trace files with configurable parameters like cache size, associativity, and number of sets, providing detailed metrics and insights into cache performance.
Technologies
- Rust
- Command-Line Interface
- Performance Analytics
- Memory Management
- LRU Algorithms
- MiBench Benchmark Integration
Key Features
- Configurable cache parameters (size, associativity, sets)
- LRU replacement policy implementation for realistic behavior
- Comprehensive analytics including miss rates and access times
- Support for memory access traces from real applications
- Detailed verbose mode for operation-by-operation analysis
- Accurate modeling of both read and write memory accesses
- Modular architecture with separate parsing and cache operation modules
- Error handling with informative diagnostic messages
Challenges & Solutions
Algorithm Efficiency
Developed highly efficient algorithms for cache lookup and replacement to ensure the simulator could process large trace files quickly, leveraging Rust's performance capabilities while maintaining memory safety through ownership principles.
Realistic Cache Behavior Modeling
Successfully implemented accurate cache behavior modeling including hit/miss detection, dirty bit management, and proper LRU implementation to ensure simulation results closely match real-world hardware behavior.
Comprehensive Statistical Analysis
Created a robust metrics collection system that accurately tracks and calculates a wide range of performance indicators, providing valuable insights into cache behavior under different configurations and workloads.
My Role
Sole developer responsible for architecture design, algorithm implementation, performance optimization, and testing across various cache configurations and trace files. Applied computer architecture principles to create an educational tool with practical applications.
Project Links
Results
Developed a reliable, high-performance cache simulator that provides valuable insights into cache behavior for educational and research purposes. The tool effectively demonstrates the impact of various cache configurations on system performance, helping users understand complex computer architecture concepts through practical simulation.
