Multiple instruction, single data

For other uses, see Multiple instruction, single data (disambiguation).

In computing, MISD (multiple instruction, single data) is a type of parallel computing architecture where many functional units perform different operations on the same data. Pipeline architectures belong to this type, though a purist might say that the data is different after processing by each stage in the pipeline. Fault-tolerant computers executing the same instructions redundantly in order to detect and mask errors, in a manner known as task replication, may be considered to belong to this type. Not many instances of this architecture exist, as MIMD and SIMD are often more appropriate for common data parallel techniques. Specifically, they allow better scaling and use of computational resources than MISD does. However, one prominent example of MISD in computing are the Space Shuttle flight control computers.

A systolic array is an example of a MISD structure, though some classify systolic arrays as SIMD.

External links

• {Automata Processor|http://www.micronautomata.com/}