Which of the following statements with respect to multiprocessor system are true? (A) Multiprocessor system is controlled by one operating system. (B) In Multiprocessor system, multiple computers are connected by the means of communication lines. (C) Multiprocessor system is classified as multiple instruction stream and multiple data stream system. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(A) and (C) only
Understanding Multiprocessor Systems
A multiprocessor system is a computer system with two or more central processing units (CPUs) that share common access to main memory and peripherals. Let's analyze each statement provided regarding multiprocessor systems.
Analyzing Statement (A): One Operating System Control
Statement (A) says: "Multiprocessor system is controlled by one operating system."
- In a tightly coupled multiprocessor system, multiple processors share memory and are controlled by a single instance of the operating system. This OS manages the scheduling of processes/threads across the available processors, resource allocation, and inter-process communication. This statement is generally true for the common understanding of a multiprocessor system.
Therefore, statement (A) is considered true.
Analyzing Statement (B): Multiple Computers Connected by Communication Lines
Statement (B) says: "In Multiprocessor system, multiple computers are connected by the means of communication lines."
- This description fits a distributed system, not a standard multiprocessor system. In a distributed system, independent computers (nodes) have their own memory and operating systems and communicate over a network using communication lines. Multiprocessor systems, in contrast, typically share a single physical memory space and system bus.
Therefore, statement (B) is considered false in the context of a typical multiprocessor system.
Analyzing Statement (C): MIMD Classification
Statement (C) says: "Multiprocessor system is classified as multiple instruction stream and multiple data stream system."
- Flynn's taxonomy classifies computer architectures based on the number of instruction streams and data streams. A MIMD (Multiple Instruction, Multiple Data) system is characterized by having multiple processors that can simultaneously execute different instructions on different data sets. Multiprocessor systems, where each processor fetches its own instructions and operates on different parts of shared or private data, fall under the MIMD category.
The classification based on Flynn's Taxonomy is as follows:
| Classification | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| SISD | Single Instruction, Single Data | Traditional uniprocessor system |
| SIMD | Single Instruction, Multiple Data | Vector processors, Array processors |
| MISD | Multiple Instruction, Single Data | Pipeline architectures (debated whether this fits well) |
| MIMD | Multiple Instruction, Multiple Data | Multiprocessor systems, Multi-core processors, Distributed systems |
Multiprocessor systems align with the MIMD classification.
Therefore, statement (C) is considered true.
Conclusion on Multiprocessor System Statements
Based on the analysis:
- Statement (A) is true.
- Statement (B) is false.
- Statement (C) is true.
The statements that are true with respect to a multiprocessor system are (A) and (C).
Revision Table: Key Concepts
| Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| Multiprocessor System | Multiple CPUs sharing main memory, controlled by a single OS. |
| Distributed System | Multiple independent computers communicating over a network. |
| MIMD | Multiple Instruction, Multiple Data stream processing. |
Additional Information: Types of Multiprocessor Systems
Multiprocessor systems can be categorized in different ways:
- Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP): All processors are identical and share all system resources (memory, I/O) equally. A single OS instance runs and manages all processors.
- Asymmetric Multiprocessing (AMP): Processors are assigned specific tasks. A master processor may control the system and allocate tasks to slave processors.
- NUMA (Non-Uniform Memory Access): Multiple processors have their own local memory, but can access memory of other processors. Access times vary depending on whether the memory is local or remote.
All these types typically operate under a single operating system and are classified as MIMD systems.
Important Questions from Data-Path and Control Unit
Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Hardwired control unit can be optimized to produce fast mode of operation.
Statement II: Indirect addressing mode needs two memory reference to fetch the operand.
In the light of the above statements. choose the correct answer from the options given below
The following program is stored in memory unit of the basic computer. What is the content of the accumulator after the execution of program? (All location numbers listed below are in hexadecimal).
Location
Instruction
210
CLA
211
ADD 217
212
INC
213
STA 217
214
LDA 218
215
CMA
216
AND 217
217
1234H
218
9CE2H
A partial data path of a processor is given in the figure, where RA, RB, and RZ are 32-bit registers. Which option(s) is/are CORRECT related to arithmetic operations using the data path as shown?
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R
Assertion A: Instruction pipelining improves CPU throughput.
Reason R: Pipelining decreases the execution time of each individual instruction.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below
