Parallel Computing Questions
Flynn's taxonomy is a classification system that categorizes parallel computing systems based on the number of instruction streams and data streams they can process simultaneously. It was proposed by Michael J. Flynn in 1966.
Flynn's taxonomy classifies parallel computing systems into four categories:
1. Single Instruction, Single Data (SISD): In this category, a single instruction stream operates on a single data stream at a time. This is the traditional sequential computing model where a single processor executes instructions sequentially.
2. Single Instruction, Multiple Data (SIMD): In SIMD systems, a single instruction stream is broadcasted to multiple processing units, each operating on different data streams simultaneously. This is commonly found in vector processors or graphics processing units (GPUs).
3. Multiple Instruction, Single Data (MISD): MISD systems involve multiple instruction streams operating on a single data stream concurrently. However, this category is not commonly implemented in practice and has limited applications.
4. Multiple Instruction, Multiple Data (MIMD): MIMD systems have multiple instruction streams and multiple data streams, allowing independent execution of different instructions on different data. This is the most common and versatile category of parallel computing systems, found in modern multi-core processors, clusters, and distributed computing environments.
In summary, Flynn's taxonomy classifies parallel computing systems into SISD, SIMD, MISD, and MIMD categories based on the number of instruction streams and data streams they can process simultaneously.