an array processor consists of a large number os identical processors that perform the same sequence of instruction on different sets of data.
an alternative approach to SIMD is the array processor, a design pioneered by the university of ILLinois ILLIAC IV computer and illustrated in this figure.this architecture consists of a 8*8 square grid of processors/memory elements.
the basic idea behind an array processor is that a single control unit provides the signal to drive the many processing elements.each processing elements consists of a CPU or enhanced ALU and some local memory. since a single control unit is driving them all, the processing elements run in per quadrant.
- advantage:
- it is very efficient at executing a sequence of operation on pairs of data elements.
- it achieve a performance of 1 giga flop which is the doubled the computing power of the entire world.
- disadvantage:
- duplication of hardware
- high cost
