> From: linux-omap-ow...@vger.kernel.org [mailto:linux-omap-
> ow...@vger.kernel.org] On Behalf Of Paul Walmsley
> Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2010 2:15 PM

> > This patch fixes this problem by ensuring the branch prediction logic is
> > disabled while changing the L3 clock frequency. The branch prediction logic
> > is disabled by clearing the Z-bit in the ARM AUX CTRL register.

Small correction, Z bit is in CR register. AUX CTRL figures in with the ASA 
feature.

> Really nice changelog.  I wish every patch had a description this good.
> Patch looks really good, too.  Queued for 2.6.37.

It is system specific if this change is required. It is probably safer to have 
it than not.

If the AUX CTRL register has the ASA bit/feature active to allow speculative 
accesses to propagate past the L2 boundary the Z bit should be cleared as in 
the patch.

However, if ASA bit is not activated then Z bit clearing should not be 
necessary as speculation will be squashed if there is no L2 hit (so no DDR 
request will be generated).

It is not recommended to enable ASA bit as it is known to cause some issues on 
EMU/HS devices. It was also projected as loosing more than it gained across 
some benchmarks.

Early boot loaders used to set the ASA.  It was removed long back.  Some 
kernels kept the value and opened up the lockup window.  I don't recall the 
linux-omap open kernel having the issue. Some vendor ones did over time.

Regards,
Richard W.

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