Apparatus and method for a virtual hashed page table

A method for use in processor for translating a virtual address, the method comprising the steps of:

• configuring a virtual hash page table to allow both linear access and hashed access;
• calculating a pointer from a virtual address after a failed translation lookaside buffer search, wherein said pointer points to a hashed entry in said virtual hash page table if said virtual hash page table is configured for hashed access, and wherein said pointer points to a linear entry in said virtual hash page table if said virtual hash page table is configured for linear access;
• and
• utilizing said pointer to search said virtual hash page table for a virtual address translation to a physical address.

A virtual hash page table apparatus for virtual address translation after a failed translation lookaside buffer search, comprising:

• means for configuring a virtual hash page table to allow both linear access and hashed access;
• means for calculating a pointer from a virtual address after a failed translation lookaside buffer search, wherein said pointer points to a hashed entry in said virtual hash page table if said virtual hash page table is configured for hashed access, and wherein said pointer points to a linear entry in said virtual hash page table if said virtual hash page table is configured for linear access;
• and
• means for utilizing said pointer to search said virtual hash page table for a virtual address translation to a physical address.

A virtual hash page table apparatus for virtual address translation after a failed translation lookaside buffer search, comprising:

• a virtual address;
• a logic configured to compute a pointer from said virtual address to an index into a virtual hash page table after a failed translation lookaside buffer search, wherein said pointer points to a hashed entry in said virtual hash page table if said virtual hash page table is configured for hashed access, and wherein said pointer points to a linear entry in said virtual hash page table if said virtual hash page table is configured for linear access;
• and,
• a logic configured to determine a translation to a physical address from said index in the virtual hash page table.