Parallelism appears in various forms, including a look ahead, pipelining, vectorization, multiplicity, replication, time-sharing, multi-tasking, multiprogramming, multi-threading, and distributed computing at different processing levels. Let’s know more about the classification of parallel architectures.
The most commonly used classification of parallel architectures is that given by Flynn in 1966. Flynn considered the presence or absence of potential multiplicity in the instruction and data streams of computer systems.
The instruction stream is the programmed instructions of operations. Thus, architecture is categorized by the multiplicity of the hardware used to manipulate the instruction and data streams.
In this manner, it is possible to obtain four classes of computers as described below.
Table of Contents
Classification of parallel architectures
- Single instruction single datastream
- Single Instruction Multiple Data Stream
- Multiple Instruction Single datastream
Single instruction single datastream
Conventional computers belong to the single instruction single data stream (SISD) category where there is one central processing unit in the computer which can perform one instruction at a time.
This represents the serial architecture illustrated in figure 6.8. this, until recently, has formed the basis for nearly all computers.
Single Instruction Multiple Data Stream
The single instruction multiple data stream (SIMD) systems are those in which the same instruction is executed, at the same time, by several processors, as illustrated in Figure 6.9.
Clearly, such a system comprising of N processors can have a throughput of N times more than a SISD machine. Examples include pipelined vector processors and array processors.
Multiple Instruction Single datastream
In a multiple instruction single data stream (MISD) architecture, the processors can share a common memory and each processor operates according to the instructions it receives via its own instruction stream.
This class includes all forms of multiprocessor configurations from linked main-frame computers to large arrays of microprocessors. Multiple processors capable of independent operations are the main characteristic of MIMD computers.
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