For multicore processors to be used effectively, computers must understand how to divide tasks into parts that can be distributed across each core – an operation called: Question 36 Select one: a. arithmetic-logic processing b. parallel processing c. graphics coprocessing d. multiplexer processing
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is b. parallel processing.
Explanation:
In a multicore processor, there are multiple processing units (or “cores”) that can execute tasks simultaneously. For this hardware setup to be effectively utilized, tasks need to be divided into smaller sub-tasks that can be processed concurrently. This operation of dividing and distributing tasks across multiple cores is known as parallel processing.
What is Parallel Processing?
Parallel processing involves breaking down a large computational task into smaller tasks that can be executed simultaneously across multiple processors or cores. This approach significantly speeds up processing time and improves performance, especially for tasks that are inherently parallel in nature, such as complex mathematical calculations, data analysis, or rendering graphics.
For example, in a system with four cores, parallel processing can allow a task to be split into four parts, with each core working on a different part of the task at the same time. This is particularly beneficial for applications like scientific simulations, video rendering, and large-scale data analysis, where a single processor might be too slow to handle the workload efficiently.
Other Options Explained:
- a. Arithmetic-logic processing: This refers to the type of operations a processor can perform, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and logical operations. It is a fundamental part of any processor, but it is not specifically related to how tasks are divided across cores.
- c. Graphics coprocessing: This refers to the use of a dedicated graphics processing unit (GPU) to handle graphical computations, often in gaming or 3D rendering. While GPUs also use parallel processing, this term is more specific to visual data processing and doesn’t address task division across cores in a multicore CPU.
- d. Multiplexer processing: A multiplexer is a device that selects one of many inputs and forwards the selected input to a single output. It is a hardware component for switching signals, not related to the process of dividing tasks across multiple cores.
Thus, the correct term for dividing tasks across multiple cores in a multicore processor is parallel processing.
