Interference in multiprocessor computer systems with interleaved memory

Abstract

This paper analyzes the memory interference caused by several processors simultaneously using several memory modules. Exact results are computed for a simple model of such a system. The limiting value is derived for the relative degree of memory interference as the system size increases. The model of the limiting behavior of the system yields approximate results for the simple model and also suggests that the results are valid for a much larger class of models, including those more nearly like real systems than the simple model. The assumptions and results of the simple model are tested against some measurements of program behavior and simulations of systems using memory references from real programs. The model results provide a good indication of the performance that should be expected from real systems of this type.