Understanding Pipeline Processing
Pipeline processing is a technique used in computer architecture to improve throughput by breaking down a sequential process into smaller, independent sub-operations. Each sub-operation is executed in its own dedicated hardware segment.
Crucially, these segments operate concurrently, meaning multiple sub-operations from different stages of the overall process can be executed simultaneously. This allows subsequent instructions to begin execution before previous ones have finished, significantly speeding up the processing of a sequence of operations.
Comparing Pipeline Processing with Other Techniques
The question describes a specific method of concurrent execution. Let's analyze the options:
- Pipeline Processing: Directly matches the description. It decomposes a sequential process into dedicated segments that operate concurrently.
- Vector Processing: Executes the same operation on multiple data elements (a vector) simultaneously. It doesn't necessarily decompose a single sequential process into different concurrent segments.
- Scalar Processing: Processes data items one at a time. This is inherently sequential and not concurrent.
- Array Processing: Similar to vector processing, it involves performing operations on entire arrays of data, often in parallel, but the core concept described in the question (decomposing a *sequential process* into *dedicated segments* operating concurrently) is the defining characteristic of pipelining.
Therefore, pipeline processing is the technique that fits the description of decomposing a sequential process into concurrent, dedicated segments.
Important Questions from Instruction Pipelining
- The right sequence of suboperations that are performed in arithmetic pipeline is-
A. Align the mantissas
B. Add or subtract the mantissas
C. Normalize the result
D. Compare the exponents
Choose the correct answer from the options given below: - A 5-stage instruction pipeline has stage delays of 180, 250, 150, 170, and 250, respectively, in nanoseconds. The delay of an inter-stage latch is 10 nanoseconds. Assume that there are no pipeline stalls due to branches and other hazards. The time taken to process 1000 instructions in microseconds is ____________ (rounded off to two decimal places)
- The EX stage of a pipelined processor performs the memory read operations for LOAD instructions, and the operations for the arithmetic and logic instructions. Let $t_{EX}$ denote the time taken by the EX stage to perform the operation for an instruction. For each instruction type, the values of $t_{EX}$ and $M$ (the number of instructions of that type in a sequence of 100 instructions for a program P), are given in the table below.
The duration of the pipeline clock cycle is 1 nanosecond. Assume that the latch time for the interstage buffers in the pipeline is negligible.Instruction $t_{EX}$ in nanoseconds $M$ LOAD 1.8 15 IMUL 1.5 10 IDIV 2.5 5 FADD 1.7 10 FSUB 1.7 5 FMUL 2.8 15 FDIV 3.2 5 All other instructions Less than 1.0 35
When program P is executed, the number of clock cycles for which the pipeline is stalled due to structural hazards in the EX stage is ______. (answer in integer) - A non-pipelined instruction execution unit that operates at 1.6 GHz clock takes an average of 5 clock cycles to complete the execution of an instruction. To improve the performance, the system was pipelined with a goal of achieving an average throughput of one instruction per clock cycle. However, it could operate only at 1.2 GHz due to pipeline overheads. While executing a program in the pipelined design, 30% of instructions encountered a stall of 2 cycles due to pipeline hazards. The speed-up obtained by the pipelined design over the non-pipelined one for this program is ___________. (rounded off to two decimal places)
Note: 1G=$10^9$ - Pipelining improves performance by :
