CPUs and architecture

Which technique lets one CPU core process instructions from multiple threads at the same time to make better use of the core's execution units?

  1. ADVFS
  2. BDMA
  3. CSMT (simultaneous multithreading)
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Answer: C. SMT (simultaneous multithreading)

SMT (simultaneous multithreading) lets one core issue instructions from multiple threads in parallel, using execution units and other resources that a single thread cannot fully occupy. Intel's Hyper-Threading is a well-known example; the OS sees one core as two logical processors.

  • A. DVFS is a power-saving technique that dynamically changes voltage and frequency.
  • B. DMA transfers data without involving the CPU.
  • C. Correct. One core processes several threads at once.
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More CPUs and architecture questions

  1. In microcontrollers and similar devices, which scheme assigns peripheral registers to the same address space as memory and operates them with ordinary memory read/write instructions?
  2. What is the role of the watchdog timer built into microcontrollers?
  3. When a program calls a subroutine (function), which area is generally used to temporarily save the return address and similar information?
  4. Which correctly lists the "three Cs" classification of cache misses?
  5. In an out-of-order CPU, which mechanism commits (retires) the results of instructions executed out of order in the program's original order?