parallel random access machine

parallel (PRAM) An idealised parallel processor consisting

of P processors, unbounded shared memory, and a common

clock. Each processor is a random access machine (RAM)

consisting of R registers, a program counter, and a

read-only signature register. Each RAM has an identical

program, but the RAMs can branch to different parts of the

program. The RAMs execute the program synchronously one

instruction in one clock cycle.

See also pm2.

(1997-06-04)