A Parallel Array Of Microprocessors - An Alternative Solution To Diffusion Problems

This paper explores the possibility of using a parallel, special-purpose-processor to solve diffusion problems. The system considered in an N- Dimensional Array of Microprocessors each of which provides an explicit solution of the diffusion equation at its own location. A master-slave architecture is used in which it has been demonstrated that private memory assignment offers a considerable advantage over a common memory array in terms of complexity and the tradeoff between interprocessor interference and memory reduction. For economic reasons all communication in the prototype is by means of serial links. The master-slave communication protocol is very specific with the joint aims of compactness and flexibility demonstrably achieved.