Future Trends in Computer Hardware

Abstract

Vector processors, parallel processors, and sequential processors with much concurrency are considered. Some real codes can be shown to be almost completely suitable for parallel and vector processors. However, vector to scalar speed ratios can be so large for the vector and parallel machines that even a small residual scalar content is a serious problem. Monte Carlo approaches and Implicit differencing schemes yield shorter vectors than explicit differencing schemes, causing problems due to long vector operation start up times.Programming in a vector language may be a more global and easier to understand approach to programming. It is necessary to use such an approach In order to attain some reasonable frac tion of the potential speed of a vector or parallel processor, Introduction and Summary

Feasibility Study for a Three-Dimensional, Time-Dependent Hydrocode for Intermediate Ballistics Applications

“…For example, a good FORTRAN program can get 30% or more of the 7600's potential. 12 There are numerous programming devices which can speed up the running of a program. An example is the use of stack loops, where vector instructions are emulated by taking advantage of the CPU structure of the 7600.…”