Consider a Multi-Core Processor with Heterogeneous Cores: A, B, C

question 9

Essay

Consider a multi-core processor with heterogeneous cores: A, B, C and D where core B runs twice as fast as A, core C runs three times as fast as A and cores C and A run at the same speed (ie have the same processor frequency, micro architecture etc). Suppose an application needs to compute the square of each element in an array of 256 elements. Consider the following two divisions of labor:
(a)
(b)
Compute (1) the total execution time taken in the two cases and (2) cumulative processor utilization (Amount of total time the processors are not idle divided by the total execution time). For case (b), if you do not consider Core D in cumulative processor utilization (assuming we have another application to run on Core D), how would it change? Ignore cache effects by assuming that a perfect prefetcher is in operation.

---

Definitions:

Nominal Rate of Interest

The stated interest rate of a bond or loan without adjusting for inflation or other factors that affect the true cost of borrowing.

Real Rate of Interest

The interest rate that has been adjusted to remove the effects of inflation, showing the real earning power of an investment.

Inflation Rate

A situation where the overall cost of goods and services climbs, causing the value of money to diminish.

Annual Percentage Rates (APRs)

A measure of the cost of credit, expressed as a yearly interest rate, that includes interest, fees, and other charges associated with the loan.