8.2 Why Networks and Multiprocessors?
Definitions
Programming a single CPU is hard enough. Why make life more difficult by adding more processors? A multiprocessor is, in general, any computer system with two or more processors coupled together. Multiprocessors used for scientific or business applications tend to have regular architectures: several identical processors that can access a uniform memory space. We use the term processing element (PE) to mean any unit responsible for computation, whether it is programmable or not. We use the term network (or interconnection network) to describe the interconnections between the processing elements.
Why so many?
Embedded system designers must take a more general view of the nature of multiprocessors. ...
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