Introduction to parallel processors

Parallel processing is a method in computing of running two or more processors (CPUs) to

handle separate parts of an overall task. Breaking up different parts of a task among
multiple processors will help reduce the amount of time to run a program. Any system that has
more than one CPU can perform parallel processing, as well as multi-core (A multi-core
processor is an integrated circuit (IC) to which two or more processors have been attached for
enhanced) processors which are commonly found on computers today.

Multi-core processors are IC chips that contain two or more processors for better performance,
reduced power consumption and more efficient processing of multiple tasks. These multi-core
set-ups are similar to having multiple, separate processors installed in the same computer.

The Cache Coherence Problem-:

In a multiprocessor system, data inconsistency may occur among adjacent levels or within the
same level of the memory hierarchy. For example, the cache and the main memory may have
inconsistent copies of the same object.

As multiple processors operate in parallel, and independently multiple caches may possess
different copies of the same memory block, this creates cache coherence problem. Cache
coherence schemes help to avoid this problem by maintaining a uniform state for each cached
block of data.

Hyper threading-:

Hyper-Threading Technology is a form of simultaneous multithreading(In computer

architecture, multithreading is the ability of a central processing unit (CPU) (or a single core in
a multi-core processor) to provide multiple threads of execution concurrently, supported by
the operating system) technology introduced by Intel, while the concept behind the technology
has been patented by Sun Microsystems. Architecturally, a processor with Hyper-Threading
Technology consists of two logical processors per core, each of which has its own processor
architectural state. Each logical processor can be individually halted, interrupted or directed to
execute a specified thread, independently from the other logical processor sharing the same
physical core.