Can Dataflow Subsume von Neumann Computing?

: We explore the question: “What can a von Neumann processor borrow from dataflow to make it more suitable for a multiprocessor?’’ Starting with a simple, “RISC-like” instruction set, we show how to change the underlying processor organization to make it multithreaded. Then, we extend it with three instructions that give it a fine-grained, dataflow capability. We call the result P-RISC, for “Parallel FUSC.” Finally, we discuss memory support for such multiprocessors. We compare our approach to existing MIMD machines and to other dataflow machines. Keywords and phrases: parallelism, MIMD, dataflow, multiprocessors, multithreaded architectures

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1989
• Where: ISCA
• Authors: Rishiyur S. Nikhil
• Keywords: Dataflow, Dataflow Capability, Hardware, ISCA 1989, Neumann Processor Borrow