Single processor systems
is a computer system that only has one processor in which the only process is catered at time. The process is selected from the process queue. Take a look at the diagram below.
Multiprocessor Systems
is a computer system with two or more processors, they can cater to lots of processes at the same time, sharing a computer clock, memory, bus, and peripheral devices. Check out the diagram below.
To clear out more confusion, here are the differences between the single-processor systems and the multiprocessor systems from tutorialspoint website published by Alex Onsman in August 2016.
Differences Between Single Processor and Multiprocessor Systems
There are many differences between a single processor and multiprocessor systems. Some of these are illustrated as follows −
- A single processor system contains only one processor while multiprocessor systems may contain two or more processors.
- Single processor systems use different controllers for completing special tasks such as DMA (Direct Memory Access) Controller. On the other hand, multiprocessor systems have many processors that can perform different tasks. This can be done in symmetric or asymmetric multiprocessing.
- Single processor systems can be more expensive than multiprocessor systems. If n processor multiprocessor system is available, it is cheaper than n different single processor systems because the memory, peripherals, etc. are shared.
- It is easier to design a single processor system as compared to a multiprocessor system. This is because all the processors in the multiprocessor system need to be synchronized and this can be quite complicated.
- The throughput of a multiprocessor system is more than a single processor system. However, if the throughput of n single processor systems is T then the throughput of n processor multiprocessor system will be less than T.
- Single processor systems are less reliable than multiprocessor systems because if the processor fails for some reason then the system cannot work. In multiprocessor systems, even if one processor fails then the rest of the processors can pick up the slack. At most the throughput of the system decreases a little.
- Most modern personal computers are single processor systems while multiprocessors are used in niche systems only.
Learning never stops, everyone.
Proper credits:
Alex Onsman(2018), Single Processor Systems, tutorialspoint, https://www.tutorialspoint.com/Single-Processor-Systems#:~:text=A%20single%20processor%20system%20contains,they%20are%20commonly%20in%20use.
Kristi Castro(2018), Multiprocessor Systems, tutorialspoint, https://www.tutorialspoint.com/Multiprocessor-Systems
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