Short for multiple instruction, single data.
A type of parallel computing
architecture that is classified under
Flynn's taxonomy. Each processor owns its
control unit and its local memory, making them more powerful than those used in
SIMD computers. Each processor
operates under the control of an instruction
stream issued by its control unit: therefore the
processors are potentially all executing different programs on different data
while solving different sub-problems of a single problem. This means that the
processors usually operate asynchronously. [Source:
Tommesani]
Introduction to Parallel Computing This presentation covers the basics of parallel computing. Beginning with a brief overview and some concepts and terminology associated with parallel computing, the topics of parallel memory architectures and programming models are then explored.
Michael J. Flynn Michael Flynn received his Ph.D. from Purdue University in 1961. He joined IBM in 1955 and for 10 years worked in the areas of computer organization and design. He was design manager of prototype versions of the IBM 7090 and 7094/II, and later for the System 360 Model 91 Central Processing Unit.
Tommesani Programming Methods A widely used classification of parallel systems, due to Michael J. Flynn, is based on the number of simultaneous instruction and data streams seen by the processor during program execution.
