Introduction 1

Question 1

What is the reason for the increase in number of cores per chip?

Answer 1

Processors are not getting faster but more tranistors can be put in a single circuit

So the solution was to put more cores (several processors) in a single c

Question 2

What are the implications of adding more cores?

Answer 2

1. Hardware/architectural issues: What kind of processors, how will they be connected, and how is memory organised?
2. Software issues: how will it be programmed?

Question 3

What is Moore’s Law?

Answer 3

Transistor count doubles every 18 months

Due to transistor size reduction. Chip size inceased to accommodate this

Question 4

What are transistors?

Answer 4

Building blocks of integrated circuits. Used to amplify or switch electrical signals.

Question 5

What advantage do smaller transistors historically offer in circuit performance?

Answer 5

1. Faster switch delay
2. Can be clocked at higher frequencies
3. Faster circuits

Question 6

What challenges arise with smaller transistors in terms of chip design and performance?

Answer 6

1. Increased power density, resulting in cooling problems
2. Become less reliable (leakage currents)

Question 7

What is Dennard Scaling?

Answer 7

The historical trend where smaller transistors consumed less power as more were packed onto the same chip. Power density remained constant.

Question 8

Why did Dennard Scaling end?

Answer 8

Increase in current leakage with smaller transistor sizes

Power density increases, chips could melt.