Parallel Computer Architecture

1.2 Convergence of Parallel Architectures 45

FIGURE 1.25 Typical organization of a data

parallel (SIMD) machine. Individual processing

elements (PEs) operate in lockstep under the di-

rection of a single control processor. Traditionally,

SIMD machines have provided a limited, regular

interconnect among the PEs, although this was

generalized in later machines, such as the Think-

ing Machines Corporation Connection Machine

and the MasPar.

as suggested by Figure 1.25. It was observed that many important scientific compu-

tations involved uniform calculation on every element of an array or matrix, often

involving neighboring elements in the row o