Error correction in a set associative storage device

A method of performing error detection maintenance operations in respect of data values stored in a set associative storage device having a plurality of specific physical locations, said method comprising the steps of:

• storing data values in the set associative storage device for access by processing circuitry when performing data processing operations;
• performing, for each access to the storage device, an error detection operation on the data value accessed;
• issuing an error detection maintenance request from the processing circuitry to maintenance circuitry specifying at least one of said specific physical locations within the storage device;
• in response to the error detection maintenance request, performing at least one dummy access to the at least one specific physical location within the storage device, as a result of which said error detection operation is performed;
• and
• providing the processing circuitry with error status information derived from the error detection operation performed by the error detection circuitry in respect of said at least one dummy access.

A data processing apparatus comprising:

• processing means for performing data processing operations;
• a set associative storage means for storing data values for access by the processing means when performing data processing operations, said storage means having a plurality of specific physical locations;
• error detection means for performing, for each access to the storage means, an error detection operation on the data value accessed;
• and
• maintenance means associated with the storage means for performing one or more maintenance operations;
• wherein the processing means is configured to issue an error detection maintenance request to the maintenance means specifying at least one of said specific physical locations within the storage means, and the maintenance means is responsive to the error detection maintenance request to perform at least one dummy access to the at least one specific physical location within the storage means and to provide the processing means with error status information derived from the error detection operation performed by the error detection means in respect of said at least one dummy access.