Pipeline hazards in computer architecture disrupt CPU efficiency by causing delays in instruction processing. Structural hazards stem from hardware resource contention, data hazards from instruction dependencies, and control hazards from branch prediction errors. Techniques like instruction reordering, data forwarding, and branch prediction buffers are employed to mitigate these issues and enhance CPU throughput.
Show More
Pipeline hazards can be classified into three types: structural, data, and control hazards
Causes of Structural Hazards
Structural hazards occur when multiple instructions compete for hardware resources at the same time
Impact of Structural Hazards
Structural hazards can cause delays and reduced performance in pipeline processing
Types of Data Hazards
Data hazards can arise from dependencies between instructions that use the same data, such as read-after-write, write-after-read, and write-after-write conflicts
Techniques to Address Data Hazards
Instruction reordering, hardware interlocks, and pipelining bypassing are methods used to manage data hazards and maintain efficient pipeline operation
Control hazards occur when the pipeline must make predictions about the outcome of branch instructions, which can lead to mispredictions and delays
Static Branch Prediction
Static branch prediction uses a fixed strategy to guess branch outcomes and mitigate control hazards
Dynamic Branch Prediction
Dynamic branch prediction adapts to runtime behavior to improve prediction accuracy and reduce control hazards
Branch Delay Slots
Branch delay slots fill the gap between branch decisions and target instruction execution to mitigate control hazards
Loop Unrolling
Loop unrolling reduces the number of branches by replicating the loop body, reducing the impact of control hazards
Pipeline hazards, such as data, control, and structural hazards, can be influenced by the types of instructions, processor architecture, and applications being executed
Pipeline hazards can significantly impact system performance, leading to processing stalls and reduced CPU throughput
00
Pipeline Processing Purpose
Increases CPU performance by executing multiple instruction stages simultaneously.
01
Types of Pipeline Hazards
Structural, Data, Control - each causes delays due to different conflicts and dependencies.
02
Pipeline Hazard Stages
Hazards can occur during instruction fetch, decode, or execute stages, disrupting instruction flow.
