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A vector processor, also referred to as an array processor or vector processing unit (VPU), is a CPU or an extension to its arithmetic logic unit that is capable of performing simultaneous computations on elements of an array or table of data in a set number of dimensions from a single instruction (SIMD).[1]

History

Common uses for array processors in early supercomputers included analysis of fluid dynamics and rotation of 3D objects, as well as data retrieval, in which elements of a database are scanned simultaneously. The "Velocity Engine" was introduced by Apple Computer in 1999 as the "first supercomputer on a chip" in the Power Mac G4.[1][2] Vector and array processing capabilities have since been integrated into modern graphics processing units (GPUs).[3]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Vector processor at the Free On-Line Dictionary Of Computing. 2003-09-11.
  2. ↑ Introducing the PowerPC G4 with Velocity Engine, Apple Computer. Archived 1999-10-13.
  3. ↑ Computer Architecture: SIMD/Vector/GPU by Onur Mutlu, Carnegie Mellon University. 2013-11-22.

External links

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