Superscalar Processors, Cache Memories, and Branch Predictors

The memory organization in a superscalar processor can significantly affect its performance. Of all the memory that is present, the cache is arguably the most important when performance is considered. Cache memories used in superscalar processors are equipped with several additional features to meet the high throughput requirements of the processor. The pitfall with cache memories is that it results in side-channel leakage leading to cryptanalytic attacks on ciphers. This book provides an analysis of the attacks that occur due to timing channels. This chapter provides a brief overview of superscalar processors, its memory organization, and cache memories.