Inquiry Into the Benefits of Multigauge Parallel Computation

摘要

A multigauge parallel computer is a machine whose processor elements can be partitioned into distinct processors with narrower data paths, ILLIAC IV was multigauge machine. This paper addresses the question of whether multigauge computation is useful. First, the concept is defined. Next it is argued that multigauge machines offer truly new computational facilities, rather than being other architectures in disguise. Finally , a class of algorithms is identified that can exploit multigauge architectures and an example is presented to illustrate multigauge machine performance improvements.