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.

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Definitions:

Collective Bargaining

The process of negotiation between employers and a group of employees aimed at agreements to regulate working salaries, working conditions, benefits, and other aspects of workers' compensation and rights.

Labor Relations

The study and practice of managing relationships between employers and their workforce, focusing on negotiation and administration of collective bargaining agreements.

Nordic Countries

A geographical and cultural region in Northern Europe and the North Atlantic, consisting of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

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A labor union organizing framework where workers are unionized within a single enterprise or company, as opposed to industry-wide unionization.