Difference between revisions of "Co-processor"
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| − | A '''co-processor''' is a block of [[logic]] forming a complete data processing unit attached to a [[Central Processing Unit|CPU]], which operates in tandem with the main CPU, under its direction, to perform some of the processing functions of the system. [[Floating point | + | A '''co-processor''' is a block of [[logic]] forming a complete data processing unit attached to a [[Central Processing Unit|CPU]], which operates in tandem with the main CPU, under its direction, to perform some of the processing functions of the system. |
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| + | [[Floating point]] [[floating point processor|units]] are often co-processors (e.g. the [[FP11 floating point]] units of many [[PDP-11]]s); [[channel]]s are effectively co-processors which are specialized to doing [[input/output|I/O]]. | ||
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| + | [[Category: CPU Basics]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:25, 15 December 2018
A co-processor is a block of logic forming a complete data processing unit attached to a CPU, which operates in tandem with the main CPU, under its direction, to perform some of the processing functions of the system.
Floating point units are often co-processors (e.g. the FP11 floating point units of many PDP-11s); channels are effectively co-processors which are specialized to doing I/O.
