Synchronization, coherence, and event ordering in multiprocessors
The problems addressed in this article apply to both throughput- and speedup-oriented multiprocessor systems, either at the user level or the operating-system level. Designing and programming multiprocessor systems correctly and efficiently pose complex problems. Synchronizing processes, maintaining data coherence, and ordering events in a multiprocessor are issues that must be addressed from the hardware design level up to the programming language level. The goal of this article is not only to review these problems in some depth but also to show that in the design of multiprocessors these problems are intricately related. The definitions and concepts presented here provide a solid foundation on which to reason about the logical properties of a specific multiprocessor and to demonstrate that the hardware adheres to the logical model expected by the programmer.
- Research Organization:
- Computer Research Institute, Univ. of Southern California (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 7154104
- Journal Information:
- Computer; (United States), Journal Name: Computer; (United States) Vol. 21:2; ISSN CPTRB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Algorithm partitioning tools for a high-performance multiprocessor
On synchronization and scheduling for multiprocessors