Hardware Systems and Parallel Computing

Front

What is Flynn's Classical Taxonomy?

Back

A classification system for parallel computers based on two dimensions: Instruction Stream and Data Stream.

Front

What are the four classifications in Flynn's Taxonomy?

Back

1. Single Instruction, Single Data (SISD) 2. Single Instruction, Multiple Data (SIMD) 3. Multiple Instruction, Single Data (MISD) 4. Multiple Instruction, Multiple Data (MIMD)

Front

Describe Single Instruction, Single Data (SISD).

Back

A serial computer with one instruction stream and one data stream, characterized by deterministic execution.

Front

What is an example of SISD?

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Older generation mainframes, minicomputers, workstations, and single processor/core PCs.

Front

Describe Single Instruction, Multiple Data (SIMD).

Back

A parallel computer where all processing units execute the same instruction but operate on different data elements.

Front

What are examples of SIMD architectures?

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Processor Arrays (e.g., Thinking Machines CM-2) and Vector Pipelines (e.g., IBM 9000).

Front

What is Multiple Instruction, Single Data (MISD)?

Back

A parallel computer where multiple instruction streams operate on a single data stream.

Front

What are some conceivable uses of MISD?

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Multiple frequency filters on a single signal stream or multiple cryptography algorithms on a single coded message.

Front

Describe Multiple Instruction, Multiple Data (MIMD).

Back

A parallel computer where each processor may execute different instruction streams and work with different data streams.

Front

What is a common application of MIMD?

Back

Most modern supercomputers and networked parallel computer clusters.