Vector Processing

What is vector processing?

Vector processing is a computer method that can process numerous data components at once. It operates on every element of the entire vector in one operation, or in parallel, to avoid the overhead of the processing loop. Yet simultaneous operations must be independent of one another in order for vector processing to be effective.

Vector processing vs. array and parallel processing

Now, let’s understand the important difference between array processing and vector processing. Arrays are groups of data elements that are kept in close proximity to one another in memory. They’re frequently used to symbolize parallel-processable datasets, while the term “vector processing” describes the simultaneous processing of many data units using specialized technology. The distinction between array processing and vector processing is that while vector processing uses a single processor to execute the same operation on numerous data items concurrently, array processing uses several processors to work on individual array elements.

The difference between parallel processing and vector processing is that parallel processing involves multiple processors working on separate tasks simultaneously. In contrast, vector processing involves a single processor performing the same operation on multiple data elements simultaneously.

How vector processing works

Let’s get a deeper understanding of vector processing by exploring how it works.

1. A vector is an ordered collection of a one-dimensional array of data elements. The row vector V = [V1, V2, V3,………Vn] can be used to represent a vector V of length n. A column vector could be used to represent the data elements if they’re listed in a column.
2. One instruction can be used to perform parallel operations on several data elements for a processor with multiple ALUs. These instructions are usually referred to as vector instructions. Unlike scalar processors that operate on one value at a time, vector processors can operate on multiple values simultaneously. This makes them ideal for applications where many data points are processed at once, such as image processing and graphics rendering.
3. Two consecutive pairs of items are processed in vector processing every clock cycle. Two pairs of items can be handled concurrently in dual vector pipes and dual sets of vector functional units. The results are provided to the relevant parts of the result register as soon as each pair of operations is finished. The procedure keeps on until the count provided by the vector length register is reached in terms of processed items. For instance, C (1:50) = A (1:50) + B (1:50).
4. The starting addresses of the two source operands, one destination operand, the length of the vectors, and the action to be carried out are all included in this vector instruction.

Features of vector processing

For specific kinds of computing applications, vector processing performs very well in terms of key features. These features are as follows:

1. Simultaneous operations: This is achieved through the use of specialized hardware that can process multiple data elements in parallel.
2. High performance: Vector processing can achieve high performance by exploiting data parallelism and reducing memory access. This means that vector processors can perform computations faster than traditional processors, particularly for tasks that involve repeated operations on large datasets.
3. Scalability: Vector processors can scale up to handle larger datasets without sacrificing performance.
4. Limited instruction set: Vector processors have a limited instruction set that’s optimized for numerical computations.
5. Data alignment: Vector processors require data to be aligned in memory to achieve optimal performance. This means the data must be stored in contiguous memory locations so that the processor can access it efficiently.

Types of vector processing

Vector processing provides higher performance than traditional CPU or GPU architectures because it’s able to handle more data at once. And we all know how vital high performance is when you’re working on graphics-related use cases. There are two main types of vector processing: SIMD and MIMD.

Computer designs like SIMD and MIMD are used to enhance the efficiency of specific computing activities. The amount of data and instruction streams serve as the classification’s basis. The computer architecture known as SIMD, or single instruction multiple data, allows for the execution of a single instruction across numerous data streams. In contrast, MIMD (multiple instruction multiple data) computer architectures can carry out a number of instructions on a number of data streams.

Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD)

SIMD architecture executes the same instruction on multiple data sets simultaneously. This means that all processors in a SIMD system perform the same operation on different pieces of data. This architecture is often used in applications such as multimedia processing, where the same operation needs to be performed on multiple datasets at the same time.

Multiple Instruction Multiple Data (MIMD)

MIMD architecture, on the other hand, allows multiple processors to execute different instructions on different datasets at the same time. Each processor in an MIMD system has its own program counter and instruction set, allowing it to operate independently of the other processors in the system. This architecture is often used in applications such as scientific computing, where different processors need to perform different calculations simultaneously.

Key difference between SIMD and MIMD

With multiple processors carrying out the same task in parallel, SIMD is frequently employed for issues needing numerous computations. With each component allocated to a distinct processor for simultaneous solutions, MIMD is widely employed for issues that divide algorithms into independent and separate portions.

Technically, SIMD and MIMD differ from one another. Although MIMD processors are much more capable of doing much more complicated functions, SIMD processors are often simpler, smaller, faster, and cheaper. Complex processes must be carried out sequentially by SIMD processors, but they can be carried out concurrently by MIMD processors.

Advantages of vector processing

There are several advantages of vector processing:

1. Increased performance: Applications for numerical and scientific computing can perform much better thanks to vector processing. Vector processors are substantially quicker than standard processors because they can operate on numerous data components at once.
2. Reduced memory access: The number of memory accesses necessary to process huge datasets is decreased through vector processing. This is so that less time is wasted waiting for data to be put into memory because the processor can access numerous data components in a single transaction.
3. Improved energy efficiency: Because less time is spent waiting for data to be loaded into memory, vector processing can be more energy-efficient than conventional processors. This implies that the processor can do jobs more quickly, which lowers the amount of energy needed to complete the task.
4. Scalability: Due to its tremendous scalability, vector processing can handle bigger datasets without compromising performance. This is due to the fact that vector processors are made to carry out the same action on several data components at once.
5. Optimized for numerical computations: With their focus on numerical calculations, vector processors have a small number of instructions that are specifically designed for them. This indicates that they can complete numerical calculations more quickly than conventional CPUs.

Disadvantages of vector processing

There are also some disadvantages of vector processing:

1. Limited applicability: Tasks requiring repetitive operations on huge datasets benefit most from vector processing. It might not be appropriate for tasks requiring intricate branching and conditional logic.
2. Data alignment requirements: For vector processors to operate at their best, the data must be aligned in memory. For some applications, especially those that use atypical data structures, this can be difficult.
3. **Limited software support: **Specialized, hardware-optimized software is needed for vector processing. For some applications, especially those that need to work with a variety of software environments, this can be a constraint.
4. Cost: In high-end systems that demand specialized hardware, vector processors might be more expensive than conventional CPUs.

Ways to improve vector processing methods

To increase the efficiency of vector processing, there are different ways to reduce the overhead on the processor. Here are some of the popular ways that work:

• Improving instruction: We can improvise the pipeline to integrate the scaler instruction of the same type. And vector instruction can be improved by reducing memory access.
• Algorithm: The choice of algorithm is important and should be picked wisely according to the use case that works faster and is easily integrated with processors.
• Vectorizing compiler: Using a high-level programming language, a compiler must regenerate the parallelism.