What Are The Characteristics Of A Multiprocessor? Know Here!

Are you a computer science student or just curious about how multiprocessors work? Well, you have come to the right place! Multiprocessors are computer systems that contain two or more processors which help boost computer operations. They also help in resource sharing, task distribution, improving scalability and much more.

Here, in this blog, we will explore the characteristics of multiprocessor and their advantages. Furthermore, for the best higher education courses that suit your career goals in different engineering fields, visit the Bansal Group of Institutes’ website and ask for admission inquiries today!

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1. What Is A Multiprocessor?

2. What Are The Characteristics Of Multiprocessor Systems?

3. Understanding The Classification Of Multiprocessor Systems

4. What Are The Advantages Of Multiprocessor Systems?

5. The Final Say

6. FAQs

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 parallelisable 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, synchronisation, and useful resource management.

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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 synchronisation 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 maximise system efficiency.

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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.

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Understanding The Classification Of Multiprocessor Systems

Classification of multiprocessor systems includes the following:

1. Based On Interconnection Structure

There are 3 multiprocessors based on interconnection structure:

Shared Memory (UMA – Uniform Memory Access)
Distributed Memory (NUMA – Non-Uniform Memory Access)
Hybrid

2. Based On Memory Architecture

There are 2 multiprocessors based on memory architecture

Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP)
Asymmetric Multiprocessing (AMP)

3. Based On Data Flow

There are 4 multiprocessors based on data flow:

Single-Instruction, Single-Data (SISD)
Single-Instruction, Multiple-Data (SIMD)
Multiple-Instruction, Single-Data (MISD)
Multiple-Instruction, Multiple-Data (MIMD)

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4. Based On The Application

There are 2 multiprocessors based on the application

General-Purpose Multiprocessors
Application-Specific Multiprocessors

5. Based On Use Case

There are 3 multiprocessors based on the use case:

High-Performance Computing (HPC) Clusters
Server Farms
Embedded Multiprocessors

What Are The Advantages Of Multiprocessor Systems?

The advantages of a multiprocessor system:

1. Increased System Dependability

One of the key advantages is improved system dependability. A multiprocessor contains two or more processors, so if during work one of them fails, even then, the system will not come to a halt.

2. Boosted Throughput

Working with two or more processors can help boost the system’s throughput.

3. Additional Economic Systems

Multiprocessors provide an additional economic benefit because they help share peripheral devices, power supply, data storage and other resources.

4. Better Scalability

Another advantage includes the scalability of the Multiprocessor. They are efficient in handling more workload than single-processor systems.

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The Final Say

Because the workload may be split over numerous processors, multiprocessor computers can complete tasks faster than single-processor systems. Multiprocessor systems enable increased parallelism since various processors can execute different tasks concurrently.

The disadvantages of multiprocessor systems are that they are more sophisticated than single-processor systems and require resources to maintain the hardware, software and admin. They need more electricity to function, raising the operation and maintenance costs. It also needs specialised programming abilities due to the use of several processors.

FAQs

1. What is a multiprocessor?

A multiprocessor computer system has two or more CPUs (central processing units) sharing full access to standard RAM.

2. What are the characteristics of a multiprocessor?

Some common characteristics are

Increased Performance
Better Resource Utilisation

3. What is an example of a multiprocessor?

Multiprocessor examples include the following:

Intel Core i9 processor
AMD Ryzen 9 processor
NVIDIA A100 GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
IBM Power9 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
ARM-based multi-core processors used in smartphones
NVIDIA Tesla V100 GPU

3. What are the five uses of multiprocessors?

The 5 uses of multiprocessors are:

Faster Task Execution
Parallel Computing
Efficient Resource Utilisation
Enhanced Multitasking
Server Workloads

4. What else do you call a multiprocessor?

Parallel systems and multicore systems.

5. What are the two primary benefits of a multiprocessor system?

The benefits are:

Increased Performance
Better Resource Utilisation

6. What are the types of multiprocessors based on Data Flow?

The types of multiprocessors are:

Single-Instruction, Single-Data (SISD)
Single-Instruction, Multiple-Data (SIMD)
Multiple-Instruction, Single-Data (MISD)
Multiple-Instruction, Multiple-Data (MIMD)

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