Data type coherency in heterogeneous shared memory multiprocessors
Michael W. Strevell · Proceedings of the International Conference on Parallel Processing · 1991
A heterogeneous shared memory multiprocessor, which contains different types of specialized processors, may execute a complex problem faster than either a homogeneous multiprocessor or a heterogeneous network. However, since dissimilar processors often use different representations for primitive data types, the shared data must be transformed. Analytical performance models and queueing models predict the performance of alternative designs. These models indicate that significant performance advantages are provided by hardware transformation units, caching of unshared data, and local memory. Conversely, caching of shared data and the location of the transformation units have a less significant effect on performance. The primary applications for these type of designs are in special purpose applications which require maximum performance and tight coupling between heterogeneous processors. The linking that must be done at compile time makes these designs less suited for general purpose applications and development work.