A SIMD (Single Instruction Multiple Data) array processor is a type of computer processor that can execute a single instruction on multiple data elements simultaneously. SIMD processors are commonly used for vector operations, such as those required in image processing, audio processing, and scientific simulations.
The architecture of a SIMD array processor typically consists of several processing elements (PEs) that can operate in parallel. Each PE has its own local memory, and the PEs are interconnected in a regular array topology, typically a grid or mesh.
A typical SIMD array processor architecture consists of the following components:
- Control unit: The control unit generates the control signals that govern the operation of the processing elements. It also fetches instructions from memory and distributes them to the processing elements.
- Processing elements (PEs): The processing elements are the computational units of the SIMD array processor. Each PE typically contains an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and a local memory, which is used to store data and intermediate results.
- Interconnect network: The interconnect network provides the communication infrastructure between the processing elements. It typically consists of a grid or mesh topology of buses or switches that allow PEs to communicate with each other.
- Memory interface: The memory interface connects the SIMD array processor to external memory. It allows the processor to fetch data and instructions from memory and store results back to memory.
The architectural diagram of a SIMD array processor is shown below:
+---------------------------------+
| |
| Control Unit |
| |
+---------------------------------+
| | | |
| | | |
+---------+-----+-----+------+---------+
| | | | | |
| PE | PE | PE | ... | PE |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
+---------+-----+-----+------+---------+
| | | |
| | | |
+---------+-----+-----+------+---------+
| | | | | |
| PE | PE | PE | ... | PE |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
+---------+-----+-----+------+---------+
| | | |
| | | |
. . . .
. . . .
. . . .
| | | |
+---------+-----+-----+------+---------+
| | | | | |
| PE | PE | PE | ... | PE |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
+---------+-----+-----+------+---------+
| | | |
| | | |
+---------+-----+-----+------+---------+
| |
| Memory Interface |
| |
+---------------------------------+
In this diagram, the processing elements are arranged in a regular grid topology, with each PE having its own local memory. The control unit fetches instructions from memory and distributes them to the processing elements. The interconnect network provides the communication infrastructure between the processing elements, allowing them to exchange data