A processor runs at 20 GHz with a CPI of 1, excluding memory accesses. What is the number of instructions that can be executed in one second?

Understand the Problem

The question involves calculating the performance metrics of a processor based on its frequency and cycles per instruction (CPI). Specifically, it is asking for the instructions per second, which can be computed using the formula: Instructions per second = (Clock speed in Hz) / (CPI).

Answer

$500 \, \text{million instructions per second}$

Steps to Solve

Identify the given values First, determine the values required for the calculation. We need the clock speed in Hz and the CPI (cycles per instruction).
Using the given formula The formula for calculating the instructions per second is: $$ \text{Instructions per second} = \frac{\text{Clock speed in Hz}}{\text{CPI}} $$
Substituting the values Insert the values of clock speed and CPI into the formula. For example, if the clock speed is 2 GHz and CPI is 4, first convert 2 GHz to Hz: $$ 2 , \text{GHz} = 2 \times 10^9 , \text{Hz} $$

Then substitute into the formula: $$ \text{Instructions per second} = \frac{2 \times 10^9 , \text{Hz}}{4} $$

Calculate the result Perform the calculation: $$ \text{Instructions per second} = \frac{2 \times 10^9}{4} = 0.5 \times 10^9 = 500 , \text{million instructions per second} $$

The instructions per second is $500 , \text{million instructions per second}$.

More Information

This calculation helps to understand the performance of a processor, where a higher instructions per second value indicates better performance. The conversion from GHz to Hz is essential for accurate calculations.

Tips

Forgetting to convert GHz to Hz before calculation. Always ensure to use the correct units.
Not using the correct values for clock speed or CPI. Double-check all inputs to ensure accuracy.

AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify critical information

Thank you for voting!