[Solved] When a CPU encounters a TLB miss during virtual address translation, what is the correct order of operations that follows? | Operating Systems

Operating Systems - TLB - Translation Lookaside Buffer & Effective Access Time

When a CPU encounters a TLB miss during virtual address translation, what is the correct order of operations that follows?

AThe system performs a page table lookup in memory, updates the TLB with the new entry, then accesses the physical memory.

BThe CPU immediately accesses physical memory without consulting the page table or updating the TLB.

CThe TLB is flushed entirely, and the CPU retries the address translation from scratch.

DThe CPU waits for the operating system to swap pages before accessing the page table.

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Page Table Lookup
On a TLB miss, the CPU must consult the page table in main memory to find the physical frame number corresponding to the virtual address.
Step 2: Update TLB
The retrieved page table entry is then loaded into the TLB to speed up future translations.
Step 3: Access Physical Memory
Finally, the CPU uses the physical address to access the desired data in main memory.
Final Answer:
Option A -> Option A
Quick Check:
Page table lookup precedes TLB update and memory access [OK]

Quick Trick: TLB miss triggers page table lookup before memory access [OK]

Common Mistakes:

MISTAKES

Assuming physical memory is accessed directly after a TLB miss without page table lookup.
Believing the TLB is flushed on every miss.
Thinking the OS must swap pages immediately on every TLB miss.

Trap Explanation:

PITFALL

Interviewer Note:

CONTEXT

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When a CPU encounters a TLB miss during virtual address translation, what is the correct order of operations that follows?