
116 Embedded systems design
MC88100 sequence that has just been discussed is similar to that of
the MESI protocol. The MC68040 cache coherency scheme is
similar to that of the MEI protocol.
The MESI protocol
The MESI protocol is a formal mechanism for controlling
cache coherency using snooping techniques. Its acronym stands
for modified, exclusive, shared, invalid and refers to the states that
cached data can take. Transition between the states is controlled
by memory accesses and bus snooping activity. This information
appears on special signal pins during bus transactions.
The MESI diagram is generic and shows the general opera-
tion of the protocol. ...