Take a look at the new version of this page: [ beta version ]. Tell us what you think.

ABSTRACT

Microprogramming is a basic technique that realizes functionally specialized processors in a functionally distributed multiprocessor system which consists of many small processors. In such a multiprocessor system, it is necessary to change processor functions dynamically in order to back up a heavily loaded processor or a failed processor by a lightly loaded processor. This paper proposes a mechanism for exchanging processor functions in firmware level and shows a hardware organization which realizes the mechanism in an experimental system. In order to clarify the design conditions of an operating system and microprograms, the performance of the mechanism is analyzed from the load balancing point of view. Moreover, the conditions which the mechanism must satisfy are derived.

REFERENCES

• 1: K. Hurakami , S. Nishikawa , M. Sato, Poly-Processor System analysis and design, Proceedings of the 4th annual symposium on Computer architecture, p.49-56, March 23-25, 1977 [doi>10.1145/800255.810652]
• 2: Seishi Nishikawa , Masasada Sato , Kunio Murakami, Interconnection unit for Poly-Processor System: Analysis and design, Proceedings of the 5th annual symposium on Computer architecture, p.216-222, April 03-05, 1978 [doi>10.1145/800094.803051]
• 3: S.Takahira, K.Murakami, S.Nishikawa and M.Sato: A Reliability Aspect of Function Distribution System: PPS, Proc. of 3rd UJCC, 1978.
• 4: Allen B. Tucker , Michael J. Flynn, Dynamic microprogramming: processor organization and programming, Communications of the ACM, v.14 n.4, p.240-250, April 1971 [doi>10.1145/362575.362580]
• 5: A.K.Agrawala and T.G.Raucher: Foundations of Microprogramming, Academic Press, 1976.
• 6: V.R.Lessor: An Introduction to the Direct Emulation of Control Structures by a Parallel Microcomputer, IEEE Tans. on Computers, C-20, 7, PP. 751-764, 1971.
• 7: D.P.Gaver, Jr.: A Comparison of Queue Disciplines When Service Orientation Times Occur, Naval Research Logistics Quartery, 10, PP. 219-235, 1963.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  B. Hardware
  B.1 CONTROL STRUCTURES AND MICROPROGRAMMING

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.1 PROCESSOR ARCHITECTURES
      C.1.2 Multiple Data Stream Architectures (Multiprocessors)

General Terms:
Design, Performance