Understanding the Four Basic Computer Architectures: SISD, SIMD, MISD, MIMD
Learning Objectives
Identify and describe the four basic computer architectures: SISD, SIMD, MISD, and MIMD Explain how data and instructions are processed in each model Recognise examples of where each architecture is used
What is Computer Architecture?
Computer architecture describes how a processor handles data and instructions. The four models are part of Flynn’s Taxonomy, which classifies processors by how many instruction streams and data streams they can handle simultaneously.
Instruction Stream: The sequence of instructions the CPU executes Data Stream: The flow of data being processed
Subtitle
Flynn's Taxonomy
SISD – Single Instruction, Single Data
Traditional Von Neumann architecture. One instruction operates on one data item at a time. Found in most single-core processors. Example: A simple desktop processor executing one program step-by-step.
Title 2
SIMD – Single Instruction, Multiple Data
One instruction acts on many data items at the same time. Used in vector processing and graphics processing (GPUs). Great for tasks like image processing, matrix calculations, and video rendering. Example: Applying a filter to every pixel of an image simultaneously.
MISD – Multiple Instruction, Single Data
Multiple instructions operate on the same data. Rare in practical systems, used mainly in fault-tolerant or specialised systems. Example: Spacecraft control systems performing redundant calculations to verify correctness.
MIMD – Multiple Instruction, Multiple Data
Multiple processors executing different instructions on different data simultaneously. Used in multi-core processors, supercomputers, and distributed systems. Ideal for parallel processing where tasks can run independently. Example: Different threads running separate tasks in a modern CPU.
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Understanding the Four Basic Computer Architectures: SISD, SIMD, MISD, MIMD
Kirsty Clark
Created on November 9, 2025
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Transcript
Understanding the Four Basic Computer Architectures: SISD, SIMD, MISD, MIMD
Learning Objectives
Identify and describe the four basic computer architectures: SISD, SIMD, MISD, and MIMD Explain how data and instructions are processed in each model Recognise examples of where each architecture is used
What is Computer Architecture?
Computer architecture describes how a processor handles data and instructions. The four models are part of Flynn’s Taxonomy, which classifies processors by how many instruction streams and data streams they can handle simultaneously.
Instruction Stream: The sequence of instructions the CPU executes Data Stream: The flow of data being processed
Subtitle
Flynn's Taxonomy
SISD – Single Instruction, Single Data
Traditional Von Neumann architecture. One instruction operates on one data item at a time. Found in most single-core processors. Example: A simple desktop processor executing one program step-by-step.
Title 2
SIMD – Single Instruction, Multiple Data
One instruction acts on many data items at the same time. Used in vector processing and graphics processing (GPUs). Great for tasks like image processing, matrix calculations, and video rendering. Example: Applying a filter to every pixel of an image simultaneously.
MISD – Multiple Instruction, Single Data
Multiple instructions operate on the same data. Rare in practical systems, used mainly in fault-tolerant or specialised systems. Example: Spacecraft control systems performing redundant calculations to verify correctness.
MIMD – Multiple Instruction, Multiple Data
Multiple processors executing different instructions on different data simultaneously. Used in multi-core processors, supercomputers, and distributed systems. Ideal for parallel processing where tasks can run independently. Example: Different threads running separate tasks in a modern CPU.
Watch