Computer Architecture - Mips

[Joe111]

1 (a) MIPS is a popular metric for rating the performance of a computer. In
this context what does MIPS mean?
(1 mark)


(b) There are three types of MIPS ratings, namely:
(i) Native MIPS
(ii) Peak MIPS
(iii) Relative MIPS
Explain how each type is calculated and what their drawbacks may be.
(9 marks)



(c) Another derivation of MIPS used by a RISC research team at Stanford
– some of whom went on to found the MIPS Company – was
Microprocessor [without] Interlocked Pipeline Stages. This approach
traded off simplicity in the hardware with complexity in the compiler and
assembler for the machine. Highlight two issues that the compiler
and/or the assembler (the software) would need to deal with in order to
overcome the problems inherent in a non-interlocked pipeline. Give
typical examples of the software techniques used to overcome these
problem
(4 marks)


(d) Modern processor implementations now have hardware support to
detect, and circumvent, the problems arising from pipelined datapaths.
Describe two examples of the hardware techniques used to overcome
these problems.
(6 marks)

[DJHawkes]

you're just taking the mick now

[ABerrant]

Marks have not been legal tender since 2002. Please convert to Euro using the rate of 1 Euro = 1.95583 Mark.

[DJHawkes]

good advice there ABerrant sadly not for this poster but good all the same

[Old_Geezer]

Very instructive.

[rojash]

(i) Native MIPS
Are restless MIPS (tonight).

(ii) Peak MIPS
Spend a lot of time Yodelling to their goats

(iii) Relative MIPS

Also known as 'kin MIPS. Come in a number of flavours, or which the most popular are AuntieMIPs and GrannyMIPs.

[2sp_]

Oh, how I wish AB was around when I was at school/college/borstal...

[boxtops]

I don't do other people's homework

[DJHawkes]

did you ever do your own? I can remember doing mine at 8.55am every school day morning in registration lol

[boxtops]

Golly dotty, no, my parents would never let me get away with that. Every night before dinner.

[gen2]

Joe, your degree won't be recognised by future employers unless it is endorsed A.M.O.W.

(AMOW = All My Own Work)

[omnipotence]

dont worry folks it's not homework he's posting it's past papers for computer systems and architecture exams at strathclyde university in glasgow, scotland.
btw this means he's in year 2 of his degree :P