CSC/ECE 506 Fall 2007/wiki1 9 arubha: Difference between revisions
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As computer architectures evolved, a new concept called the '''''Vector processing''''' was developed during the 1970s. In ''vector processing'', a PE usually consists of a collection of functional units that operate on vectors of data. This greatly simplifies the interconnections and reduces data dependency, compared to ''array processing''. | As computer architectures evolved, a new concept called the '''''Vector processing''''' was developed during the 1970s. In ''vector processing'', a PE usually consists of a collection of functional units that operate on vectors of data. This greatly simplifies the interconnections and reduces data dependency, compared to ''array processing''. | ||
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_processor Vector processors] and array processors | [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_processor Vector processors] and array processors form the basic building blocks of some of the early and most successful supercomputers. Vector and array processing are extensively used by applications like ocean mapping, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_modeling 3D modeling], molecular modeling, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weather_forecasting weather forecasting], wind tunnel simulations. The Airbus [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbus_A380 A380] project made use of the [http://www.nec.co.jp/hpc/sx-e/sx-world/no27/e10_11.pdf NEC SX-5], scalable vector processor architecture supercomputers, to run simulations and fine tune the design even before the aircraft's maiden flight. | ||
== Trends == | == Trends == | ||
== Horizons == | == Horizons == | ||
Revision as of 15:50, 5 September 2007
Vector and Array Processing: Trends, Horizons
Array Processing is a computer architectural concept that was first put to use in the early 1960s. As scientific computing evolved, the need to process large amounts of data using a common algorithm became important. Computers with an array of processing elements (PEs), controlled by a common control unit (CU) were built. The PEs were usually ALUs, capable of performing simple mathematical operations. The CPU itself would perform the job of the CU.
As computer architectures evolved, a new concept called the Vector processing was developed during the 1970s. In vector processing, a PE usually consists of a collection of functional units that operate on vectors of data. This greatly simplifies the interconnections and reduces data dependency, compared to array processing.
Vector processors and array processors form the basic building blocks of some of the early and most successful supercomputers. Vector and array processing are extensively used by applications like ocean mapping, 3D modeling, molecular modeling, weather forecasting, wind tunnel simulations. The Airbus A380 project made use of the NEC SX-5, scalable vector processor architecture supercomputers, to run simulations and fine tune the design even before the aircraft's maiden flight.