Some Performance Issues in Multiprocessor System Design

Analytic and simulation models of memory interference have been reported in the literature. These models provide tools for analyzing various system architecture alternatives. Some of the design parameters are processor speed, memory speed, number of processors, number of memories, use of cache memories, high-order versus low-order interleaving, and memory allocation. This correspondence applies existing analytic and simulation models to the multiprocessor design space and presents guidelines for the multiprocessor system architect. Preferred design alternatives and tradeoffs are outlined.