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Multiprocessor Configuration Overview

There are three basic multiprocessor configurations: 1. Coprocessor configuration shares memory, I/O, and bus and uses a coprocessor to handle specialized tasks like math to reduce the main processor's workload. 2. Closely coupled configuration also shares components but each processor fetches and executes its own instructions independently via memory communication. 3. Loosely coupled configuration connects independent processor modules with local memory and I/O through a common system bus, allowing for parallel processing.

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61 views

Multiprocessor Configuration Overview

There are three basic multiprocessor configurations: 1. Coprocessor configuration shares memory, I/O, and bus and uses a coprocessor to handle specialized tasks like math to reduce the main processor's workload. 2. Closely coupled configuration also shares components but each processor fetches and executes its own instructions independently via memory communication. 3. Loosely coupled configuration connects independent processor modules with local memory and I/O through a common system bus, allowing for parallel processing.

Uploaded by

N.D.Surendhar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Multiprocessor Configuration Overview

Multiprocessor means a multiple set of processors that executes instructions simultaneously.


There are three basic multiprocessor configurations.

Coprocessor configuration
Closely coupled configuration
Loosely coupled configuration

Coprocessor Configuration
A Coprocessor is a specially designed circuit on microprocessor chip which can perform the
same task very quickly, which the microprocessor performs. It reduces the work load of the main
processor. The coprocessor shares the same memory, IO system, bus, control logic and clock
generator. The coprocessor handles specialized tasks like mathematical calculations, graphical
display on screen, etc.

The 8086 and 8088 can perform most of the operations but their instruction set is not able to
perform complex mathematical operations, so in these cases the microprocessor requires the
math coprocessor like Intel 8087 math coprocessor, which can easily perform these operations
very quickly.

Block Diagram of Coprocessor Configuration

How is the coprocessor and the processor connected?


The coprocessor and the processor is connected via TEST, RQ-/GT- and QS0 & QS1
signals.

The TEST signal is connected to BUSY pin of coprocessor and the remaining 3 pins are
connected to the coprocessor’s 3 pins of the same name.

TEST signal takes care of the coprocessor’s activity, i.e. the coprocessor is busy or idle.
The RT-/GT-is used for bus arbitration.

The coprocessor uses QS0 & QS1 to track the status of the queue of the host processor.
Closely Coupled Configuration
Closely coupled configuration is similar to the coprocessor configuration, i.e. both share the
same memory, I/O system bus, control logic, and control generator with the host processor.
However, the coprocessor and the host processor fetches and executes their own instructions.
The system bus is controlled by the coprocessor and the host processor independently.

Block Diagram of Closely Coupled Configuration

How is the processor and the independent processor connected?


Communication between the host and the independent processor is done through memory
space.

None of the instructions are used for communication, like WAIT, ESC, etc.

The host processor manages the memory and wakes up the independent processor by
sending commands to one of its ports.

Then the independent processor accesses the memory to execute the task.
After completion of the task, it sends an acknowledgement to the host processor by using
the status signal or an interrupt request.

Loosely Coupled Configuration


Loosely coupled configuration consists of the number of modules of the microprocessor based
systems, which are connected through a common system bus. Each module consists of their
own clock generator, memory, I/O devices and are connected through a local bus.
Block Diagram of Loosely Coupled Configuration

Advantages
Having more than one processor results in increased efficiency.

Each of the processors have their own local bus to access the local memory/I/O devices.
This makes it easy to achieve parallel processing.

The system structure is flexible, i.e. the failure of one module doesn’t affect the whole
system failure; faulty module can be replaced later.

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