What Is A Multiprocessor?

The simultaneous use of two or more central processing units within a single
computer system is known as multiprocessing. The phrase also describes a
system’s capacity to accommodate several processors or its capacity to
divide duties among them.

Multiprocessor systems offer numerous advantages, expanded processing

power, better multitasking talents, advanced device reliability (fault
tolerance), and faster execution of parallel is able responsibilities. They are
useful for duties that can be divided into smaller unbiased subtasks that may
be processed concurrently.

However, designing and programming for multiprocessor structures may be

more complex than unmarried-processor systems because it calls for careful
attention to parallelism, synchronization, and useful resource management.

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
categorized as MIMD (multiple instruction streams, multiple data stream) systems, as
previously stated.

What Are The Characteristics Of

Multiprocessor Systems?
The following are some of the significant characteristics of multiprocessor:
1. Parallel Processing

Parallel processing is one of the key characteristics of the multiprocessor

machine. This facilitates executing various tasks simultaneously, resulting in
quicker execution of work.

2. Shared Memory

Shared memory is one of the excellent characteristics of multiprocessors

that helps to simplify communication between processors. They require
synchronization mechanisms to prevent data conflicts.

3. Task Distribution

Task distribution has also marked its position in the list of characteristics of
multiprocessors. The system’s operating system or runtime environment
distributes tasks or processes among the available processors. Load
balancing algorithms aim to evenly distribute the workload to maximize
system efficiency.

4. Resource Sharing

Multiprocessor systems assist in proportion to things like conversation

channels, I/O devices and memory. Resource sharing is one of the most
crucial capabilities of multiprocessors.

5. Scalability

Multiprocessor systems can be scaled by adding more processors. This

scalability allows the system to handle increasing workloads or demands by
adding more processing power.

6. High-Performance

Multiprocessors have high-performance dual-processor structures that allow

them to execute multiple tasks simultaneously. It is also one of the most
appreciated characteristics of multiprocessors.

7. Tolerance

Some multiprocessor systems incorporate redundancy and fault-tolerant

features to ensure system reliability. Redundant components or backup
processors can take over in case of hardware failures.
 Characteristics of Multiprocessor
The following are the important characteristics of multiprocessors.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Systolic: Pipelining is similar, but the units are not organized linearly. Systolic steps are often tiny
and numerous, and they are conducted in lockstep. This is more commonly used in specialized
hardware like image or signal processors.

Interconnection Structures
Introduction
In CPUs, connections to the input-output device and a memory unit form a multiprocessor
system. They can be partitioned into several separate modules. The interconnection between
these components may have different physical configurations, depending upon the number of
transfer paths available between the processors and memory in any shared memory system or
between the processing elements in any loosely coupled system.
This article will help you understand different types of Interconnection structures in a computer
system like Time-shared common bus, multiport memory, Cros
sbar switch, Multistage switching network, and Hypercube system.

Interconnection Structures
There are different physical forms available for establishing an interconnection network
between various components of the computer system. These physical forms are known
as Interconnection structures.
There are five types of Interconnection Structures:
1. Time-shared common bus.
2. Multiport memory.
3. Crossbar switch.
4. Multistage switching network.
5. Hypercube system.
Time-shared common bus
In any multiprocessor system, the time-shared common bus interconnection structures
provide a common communication path by connecting all the functional units like I/O
processor, processor, memory unit, etc. The figure below displays a multiprocessor
system with a common communication path (single bus).

A single bus multiprocessor system

The processor needs the common bus to communicate with a functional unit to transfer
data. To do so, the processor first checks if the bus is available or not. The processor
can only use the common bus if it is free. The processor puts the destination unit
address on the common bus, and the destination unit identifies it. A command is issued
to tell the receiver unit what work is to be done to communicate with a functional unit.
The other functional units at that time will be either busy in internal operations or will sit
free, waiting to get the common bus.
We can resolve memory access conflict with methods such as First-In-Out (FIFO)
queues, static & fixed priorities, and daisy chains can be used.
Multiport memory
A multiport memory structure employs separate buses for every memory module and CPU. Every
processor in a multiport memory is connected to each memory unit. The below figure shows multiport
memory interconnection structures.

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Multiport memory system with three processor

A processor bus consists of the data, control lines, and address required for
communication with the memory. The memory unit is said to have three ports, and each
port connects with one of the buses. The module should have internal control logic to
determine which port will have access to memory at the given time.
We can resolve Memory access conflicts by assigning fixed priorities to every memory
port.

Crossbar switch
The crossbar switch system consists of several intersection crosspoints between
processor buses and memory module paths. Let's understand its structure with the
below figure.

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Crossbar switch organization

In every crosspoint, the tiny box represents a switch that can obtain the path from a
processor to the memory module. Every switch point has to control logic for setting up
the transfer path among a processor and memory unit. It can calculate the address
placed in the bus to obtain if its specific module is addressed. In addition, it can
eliminate multiple requests to access the same memory module on a priority basis.
The functional design of the crossbar switch is as follows:
The circuit contains multiplexers that choose the address, data, and control from the
CPU for communication with any memory unit. Arbitration logic establishes priority
levels to select only one CPU when two or more CPUs attempt to access the same
memory. The multiplexer can be handled by the binary code produced by the priority
encoder within the arbitration logic.
A crossbar switch system allows simultaneous transfers from all memory units because
separate paths are associated with all the memory modules.

Multistage switching network

The multistage network system uses a 2×2 crossbar switch. It has two inputs (A and B)
and two outputs (0 and 1). To establish the connection between the input terminal and
output terminals, control inputs CA & CB are associated.

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