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A multiprocessor is a computer with numerous processors in one unit. At various levels of solving a problem, the processors of a multiprocessor system may be able to interact and cooperate. The processors communicate with one another by passing messages or by sharing a common memory.
Two or more CPUs make up a multiprocessor system. It’s a system that connects two or more CPUs with memory and I/O equipment. The term “processor” can refer to either a central processing unit (CPU) or an input-output processor in a multiprocessor (IOP). A system with a single CPU and one or more lOPs, on the other hand, is usually not considered a multiprocessor unless the IOP has computational capabilities comparable to a CPU. A multiprocessor system, as most people understand it, consists of numerous CPUs, with one or more lOPs thrown in for good measure. Multiprocessors are categorised as MIMD (multiple instruction streams, multiple data stream) systems, as previously stated.
Types of Multiprocessors
The following are the types of multiprocessors.
Symmetric Multiprocessors
Each processor in these systems runs a similar version of the operating system and communicates with the others. There is no master-slave connection between the processors because they are all peer-to-peer.
The Encore version of Unix for the Multimax Computer is a symmetric multiprocessing system.
Asymmetric Multiprocessors
In an asymmetric system, each CPU is allocated a certain task. A master processor is in charge of giving all of the other processors’ instructions. An asymmetric multiprocessor system has a master-slave relationship.
Asymmetric multiprocessors were the only type of multiprocessor available before the advent of symmetric multiprocessors. This is also the more affordable alternative right now.
Advantages of Multiprocessor Systems
Here is the list of the potential advantages of multiprocessor systems.
More reliable Systems
Even if one processor fails in a multiprocessor system, the system will not come to a halt. The ability to work seamlessly even in the case of hardware failure can be defined as graceful degradation. If one of the five processors in a multiprocessor system fails, the remaining four processors continue to work. As a result, rather than coming to a complete stop, the machine slows down.
Increasing Throughout
The system’s throughput increases as several processors work together, indicating the number of processes done per unit of time increases. The throughput increases by a factor of N when there are N processors.
More Economic Systems
Since multiprocessor systems share data storage, peripheral devices, power supply, and other resources, they are less expensive in the long run than single-processor systems. If several processes share data, it is preferable to schedule them on multiprocessor systems with shared data rather than separate computer systems with different copies of the data.
Characteristics of Multiprocessor
The following are the important characteristics of multiprocessors.
- Parallel Processing: This requires the use of many processors at the same time. These processors are designed to do a particular task using a single architecture. Processors are generally identical, and they operate together to create the effect that the users are the only individuals who are using the system. In reality, several others are trying to use the system in the first place.
- Distributed Computing: In addition to parallel computing, this distributed processing requires the use of a processor network. Each processor in this network can be thought of as a standalone computer with the ability to solve problems. These processors are diverse, and each one is typically assigned to a separate job.
- Supercomputing: This entails using the quickest machines to address large, computationally difficult issues. Supercomputers used to be vector computers, but nowadays, most people accept vector or parallel computing.
- Pipelining: Besides supercomputing, this is a method that divides a task into multiple subtasks that must be completed in a specified order. Each subtask is aided by the functional units. The devices are connected serially, and they all work at the same time.
- Vector Computing: This is a method that divides a task into multiple subtasks that must be completed in a specified order. Each subtask is aided by the functional units. The devices are connected serially, and they all work at the same time.
- Systolic: Pipelining is similar, but the units are not organised linearly. Systolic steps are often tiny and numerous, and they are conducted in lockstep. This is more commonly used in specialised hardware like image or signal processors.
Conclusion
That’s a wrap to the characteristics of multiprocessors that include parallel computing, supercomputing, and more. A multiprocessor is a computer that has many CPUs that share the main memory, a computer bus, and peripherals to process programs simultaneously. These systems are also known as strongly connected systems. Multiprocessors have the advantages of higher throughput, increased dependability, and economies of scale. When processing a big amount of data at a high speed, these processors are used.
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