Multiprocessors

GROUP 1
GROUP
 Multiprocessors

Multiprocessing is the use of two or more

central processing units (CPUs) within a single
computer system. The term also refers, to the
ability of a system to support more than one
processor and the ability to allocate tasks
between them.
 Multiprocessors(cont.)
Multiprocessing also refers to the execution of
multiple simultaneous software processes in a
system as opposed to a single process at any one
instant. However, the terms multitasking or
multiprogramming are more appropriate to
describe this concept, which is implemented mostly
in software, whereas multiprocessing is more
appropriate to describe the use of multiple
hardware CPUs. A system can be both
multiprocessing and multiprogramming.
 Processor Symmetry
• In a multiprocessing system, all CPUs may be
equal, or some may be reserved for special
purposes. A combination of hardware and
operating-system software design considerations
determine the symmetry (or lack thereof) in a
given system.
• Systems that treat all CPUs equally are called
symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) systems. In
systems where all CPUs are not equal, system
resources may be divided in a number of ways,
including asymmetric multiprocessing (ASMP),
non-uniform memory access (NUMA)
multiprocessing, and clustered multiprocessing.
 1.Instruction and data streams

In multiprocessing, the processors can be used

to execute a single sequence of instructions in
multiple contexts.
Multiple sequences of instructions in a single
context , or multiple sequences of instructions
in multiple contexts.
 2.Processor coupling (Tightly-coupled)

• Tightly-coupled multiprocessor systems contain

multiple CPUs that are connected at the bus level.
These CPUs may have access to a central shared
memory .
• Chip multiprocessors, also known as multi-core
computing, involves more than one processor
placed on a single chip and can be thought of the
most extreme form of tightly-coupled
multiprocessing. Mainframe systems with multiple
processors are often tightly-coupled.
3.Processor coupling (Loosely-coupled)

• Loosely-coupled multiprocessor systems

(often referred to as clusters) are based on
dual processor commodity computers
interconnected via a high speed
communication system.
• Tightly-coupled systems perform better and
are physically smaller than loosely-coupled
systems.
 Interconnection structures
• A computer consists of a set of components
(CPU,memory,I/O) that communicate with each
other.
• The collection of paths connecting the various
modules are called the interconnection structure.
• The design of this structure will depend on the
exchange that must be made between modules.
• All processors (and memory) are connected to a
common bus or busses. Memory access is fairly
uniform ,but not very scalable.
 Inter-processor Communication
• In computing, Inter-processor communication (IPC) is a set of
techniques for the exchange of data among multiple threads
in one or more processes. Processes may be running on one
or more computers connected by a network. IPC techniques
are divided into methods for message passing,
synchronization, shared memory, and remote procedure calls
(RPC). The method of IPC used, may vary based on the
bandwidth and latency of communication between the
threads, and the type of data being communicated. IPC may
also be referred to as inter-thread communication and inter-
application communication
 Interconnection Arbitration
• Computer system needs buses to facilitate the transfer of
information between its various components. For example,
even in a uniprocessor system, if the CPU has to access a
memory location, it sends the address of the memory location
on the address bus. This address activates a memory chip. The
CPU then sends a read signal through the control bus, in the
response of which the memory puts the data on the address
bus. This address activates a memory chip. The CPU then
sends a read signal through the control bus, in the response of
which the memory puts the data on the data bus. Similarly, in
a multiprocessor system, if any processor has to read a
memory location from the shared areas, it follows the similar
routine.
 References
• www.wikipedia.com
• www.bwrc.com
• www.cs252.com
NANOR EBENEZER BIT/090019
WIREDU SPILKER BIT/090012
SAFO KWAME BIT/090036
EGHAN- EKUBAN KWAME BIT /090011
BAMFI JONES BIT/090006