A certain processor uses a fully associative cache of size kB, The cache block size is bytes. Assume that the main memory is byte addressable and uses a -bit address. How many bits are required for the Tag and the Index fields respectively in the addresses generated by the processor?
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Answer: D
In a fully associative cache, any main memory block can be placed in any cache line. Therefore, no index bits are required to select a specific cache set or line.
The physical address is divided into two fields:
- Block Offset: Determined by the block size. Since the block size is bytes ( bytes), the block offset requires bits.
- Tag: The remaining bits of the address. Since the address is bits, the Tag field requires bits.
Thus, the number of bits for the Tag and Index fields are bits and bits respectively.
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