Array processor in computer architecture

Table of Contents • • • • Parallel processing is a computing technique when multiple streams of calculations or data processing tasks co-occur through numerous central processing units (CPUs) working concurrently. Pictorial Representation of Parallel Processing and its Inner Workings Parallel processing uses two or more processors or CPUs simultaneously to handle various components of a single activity. Systems can slash a program’s execution time by dividing a task’s many parts among several processors. Multi-core processors, frequently found in modern computers, and any system with more than one CPU are capable of performing parallel processing. For improved speed, lower power consumption, and more effective handling of several activities, multi-core processors are integrated circuit (IC) chips with two or more CPUs. Most computers can have two to four cores, while others can have up to twelve. Complex operations and computations are frequently completed in parallel processing. At the most fundamental level, the way registers are used distinguishes between parallel and serial operations. Shift registers operate serially, processing each bit one at a time, whereas registers with parallel loading process each bit of the word simultaneously. It is possible to manage parallel processing at a higher level of complexity by using a variety of functional units that perform the same or different activities simultaneously. The interest in parallel computing began in the late 1950s...

Array Processor performs computations on large array of data. These are two types of Array Processors: Attached Array Processor, and SIMD Array Processor. These are explained as following below. 1. Attached Array Processor : To improve the performance of the host computer in numerical computational tasks auxiliary processor is attached to it. • Input output interface to a common processor. • Interface with a local memory. Here local memory interconnects main memory. Host computer is general purpose computer. Attached processor is back end machine driven by the host computer. The array processor is connected through an I/O controller to the computer & the computer treats it as an external interface. 2. SIMD array processor : This is computer with multiple process unit operating in parallel Both types of array processors, manipulate vectors but their internal organization is different. SIMD is a computer with multiple processing units operating in parallel. The processing units are synchronized to perform the same operation under the control of a common control unit. Thus providing a single instruction stream, multiple data stream (SIMD) organization. As shown in figure, SIMD contains a set of identical processing elements (PES) each having a local memory M. Each PE includes – • ALU • Floating point arithmetic unit • Working registers Master control unit controls the operation in the PEs. The function of master control unit is to decode the instruction and determine how the ...