Scalar processor

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Scalar processors represent the simplest class of computer processors.^[1] A scalar processor processes one data item at a time (typical data items being integers or floating point numbers). In a vector processor, by contrast, a single instruction operates simultaneously on multiple data items. The difference is analogous to the difference between scalar and vector arithmetic.

[edit] See also

• Instruction pipeline
• Parallel computing
• Superscalar

[edit] Notes

1. ^  The processors in question may be complete central processing units (CPUs) or separate arithmetic-logic units (ALUs). In some cases, a processor may be made up of one CPU and several ALUs, the combination forming a superscalar processor.