In modern CPUs, what technique is used to execute multiple instructions simultaneously?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT-I Official Paper (Held On: 06 Jun, 2025 Shift 3)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Pipelining.

Key Points

Pipelining is a technique used in modern CPUs to execute multiple instructions simultaneously by dividing them into stages.
Each stage of the pipeline performs a specific operation (e.g., fetch, decode, execute, etc.) to process instructions concurrently.
Pipelining improves the instruction throughput, allowing the CPU to complete more instructions per unit time.
The technique is widely used in RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architectures for enhanced performance.
Pipeline efficiency depends on factors like branch prediction, data hazards, and instruction dependencies.

Additional Information

Clock Synchronization:
- Ensures all parts of a CPU operate in sync with the system clock.
- It does not execute multiple instructions simultaneously but coordinates timing between processes.
Sequential Execution:
- A traditional processing method where instructions are executed one after the other.
- This method contrasts with parallel execution techniques like pipelining.
Hazards in Pipelining:
- Data Hazards: Occur when instructions depend on the results of previous ones.
- Control Hazards: Arise due to branch instructions affecting the flow of execution.
- Structural Hazards: Result from resource conflicts within the pipeline.
Parallel Processing vs Pipelining:
- Parallel processing uses multiple processors to execute tasks simultaneously.
- Pipelining divides a single processor's tasks into stages for concurrent execution.