Associative logic for highly parallel systems

Abstract

Some of the advantages of a highly parallel system are well known. With several computers and memories available, double or triple redundancy can supply extremely high reliability where such reliability is a necessity. The loss of one computer will mean a reduced computing rate but no complete breakdown of the system; this desirable attribute has been called graceful deterioration. We can also have modular enhancement when the user who wishes to solve his problems more rapidly has but to add another computer module or two in parallel with his existing installation, if his problems are responsive to parallel treatment. Complex real-time problems of supreme urgency will require a high degree of parallelism if they are to be solved. Of course all of these advantages of parallel systems assume an exceedingly flexible means of programming and control for the system.