Difference between revisions of "Serial computer"
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| − | A '''serial computer''' is one which uses a serial implemention, rather than the more common parallel. | + | A '''serial computer''' is one which uses a [[serial]] implemention, rather than the more common [[parallel]]. |
For example, instead of a [[word]]-wide [[adder]], there is only a single-[[bit]] adder, and to add two numbers, they are fed into it a bit at a time, one bit on each [[clock]] tick, starting with the least significant bit. | For example, instead of a [[word]]-wide [[adder]], there is only a single-[[bit]] adder, and to add two numbers, they are fed into it a bit at a time, one bit on each [[clock]] tick, starting with the least significant bit. | ||
| − | Serial computers were more common in the early stages of computing; they are slower, but use fewer | + | Serial computers were more common in the early stages of computing; they are slower, but use fewer components, an acceptable trade-off at that stage, when the technology (e.g. [[vacuum tube]]s) was more expensive and physically bulky. |
| − | {{stub}} | + | {{semi-stub}} |
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| + | [[Category: Hardware Basics]] | ||
Revision as of 00:19, 3 June 2023
A serial computer is one which uses a serial implemention, rather than the more common parallel.
For example, instead of a word-wide adder, there is only a single-bit adder, and to add two numbers, they are fed into it a bit at a time, one bit on each clock tick, starting with the least significant bit.
Serial computers were more common in the early stages of computing; they are slower, but use fewer components, an acceptable trade-off at that stage, when the technology (e.g. vacuum tubes) was more expensive and physically bulky.
