Day 01Part 19- Operating System for gate%20 computer science – Concept of n processor System

Day 01Part 19- Operating System for gate%20 computer science – Concept of n processor System

In operating systems, a multiprocessor system refers to a computer system with multiple processors (CPUs) that work collaboratively to execute tasks. These systems can be categorized based on how they share memory and resources:

1. Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP): All processors share a single, unified memory space and have equal access to I/O devices. This architecture allows any processor to execute any task, promoting load balancing and fault tolerance.

2. Asymmetric Multiprocessing (AMP): Each processor is assigned specific tasks, and there’s typically a master-slave relationship among processors. One processor controls the system, while others perform assigned tasks.

Key Concepts in Multiprocessor Systems:

• Parallelism: Multiple processors can execute different parts of a program simultaneously, reducing execution time.

• Scalability: The ability to add more processors to improve performance without significant changes to the system’s architecture.

• Synchronization: Coordinating processors to ensure they don’t interfere with each other, especially when accessing shared resources.

• Cache Coherence: Maintaining consistency of data stored in local caches of each processor.

Understanding these concepts is crucial for the GATE Computer Science exam, as questions related to multiprocessor systems often appear under topics like operating systems and computer architecture. For a comprehensive study, refer to standard textbooks and resources that cover these topics in depth.

Day 01Part 19- Operating System for gate%20 computer science – Concept of n processor System

OPERATING SYSTEMS LECTURE NOTES MALLA …

Operating System Concepts, 8th Edition

Here’s a simplified and clear explanation of the Concept of n-Processor System from Operating Systems – helpful for GATE Computer Science (Day 01, Part 19) level preparation.

Concept of n-Processor System (Multiprocessor Systems)

Definition:

An n-processor system refers to a computer system that has n CPUs (processors) working together to execute processes in parallel or concurrently. This setup improves performance, throughput, and efficiency.

Key Concepts:

Features of n-Processor Systems:

1. Shared Memory – All processors share the same RAM (typical in SMP).

2. Process Parallelism – Multiple processes/threads executed simultaneously.

3. Scalability – System performance increases as you add more processors.

4. Resource Sharing – CPU, Memory, I/O devices shared among processors.

Advantages:

• Faster processing → reduced turnaround time

• Increased system throughput

• Better resource utilization

• Improved multitasking & responsiveness

Challenges:

• Synchronization issues

• Complexity in process scheduling

• Cache coherence problems

• Need for special hardware/software design

GATE-Level Conceptual Q&A:

Q1. What is the key benefit of an n-processor system?
A) Reduced RAM usage
B) Lower power consumption
C) Increased parallel execution
D) Better file security

Q2. In SMP systems:
A) One CPU is master
B) All CPUs are slaves
C) All CPUs are equal
D) CPUs work on different OS

Example:

Suppose a system has n = 4 processors, and you have 8 processes to execute.
These can be divided among processors — allowing concurrent execution, reducing total execution time.

Extra Note (Important for GATE):

• The OS must support multiprocessor scheduling.

• OS kernel should be reentrant — meaning multiple processors can safely use it at the same time.

Would you like:

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Day 01Part 19- Operating System for gate%20 computer science – Concept of n processor System

Operating System Concepts