Difference between revisions of "Serial computer"
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| − | A '''serial computer''' is one which uses a [[serial]] | + | A '''serial computer''' is one which uses a [[serial]] implementation for operations on larger units of data (e.g. the addition of two numbers), 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 components | + | Serial computers were more common in the early stages of computing; they are slower, and have more complex control [[logic]], 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. |
{{semi-stub}} | {{semi-stub}} | ||
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| + | ==See also== | ||
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| + | * [[Parallel computer]] | ||
[[Category: Hardware Basics]] | [[Category: Hardware Basics]] | ||
Latest revision as of 18:23, 29 March 2024
A serial computer is one which uses a serial implementation for operations on larger units of data (e.g. the addition of two numbers), 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, and have more complex control logic, but use fewer components - an acceptable trade-off at that stage, when the technology (e.g. vacuum tubes) was more expensive and physically bulky.
