7. Pipelining and Parallel Processing in Computer Architecture
Pipelining and parallel processing are crucial techniques utilized in modern computer architecture to enhance performance. Pipelining improves instruction throughput by overlapping instruction execution stages, while parallel processing enables the simultaneous execution of multiple instructions across several processing units. These methodologies address system efficiency and performance challenges although they may introduce complexities, such as pipeline hazards and the intricacies of parallel programming.
Sections
Navigate through the learning materials and practice exercises.
What we have learnt
- Pipelining allows overlapping execution of instruction stages.
- Parallel processing improves performance by using multiple processors.
- Pipeline hazards can be mitigated with techniques like forwarding and branch prediction.
- Various types of parallelism are applicable across different computing tasks.
- Multicore and multiprocessor systems contribute to efficient computing with enhanced performance.
Key Concepts
- -- Pipelining
- A technique in which multiple instruction stages are overlapped to improve instruction throughput.
- -- Parallel Processing
- Using multiple processing units to execute instructions or tasks simultaneously for higher performance.
- -- Pipeline Hazards
- Conditions that prevent the next instruction in the pipeline from executing in the proper cycle, including structural, data, and control hazards.
- -- Flynn's Classification
- A method of classifying computer architectures based on the number of instructions and data streams, including SISD, SIMD, MISD, and MIMD.
- -- Multicore Processor
- A single computing component with two or more independent processing units, enhancing performance and efficiency.
Additional Learning Materials
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.