parallel processing

(noun)

Parallel processing is the ability to carry out multiple operations or tasks simultaneously.

Related Terms

Examples of parallel processing in the following topics:

  • Serial and Parallel Processing

    • Serial memory processing compares a memory to a target stimulus, while parallel processing carries out multiple operations simultaneously.
    • Serial memory processing is the act of attending to and processing one item at a time, while parallel memory processing is the act of attending to and processing all items simultaneously.
    • Parallel processing is the ability to carry out multiple operations or tasks simultaneously.
    • The term is used in the contexts of human cognition, particularly in the ability of the brain to simultaneously process incoming stimuli, and in parallel computing by machines.
    • In parallel processing, the brain simultaneously processes incoming stimuli of differing quality.

  • Network Models of Memory

    • The parallel distributed processing (PDP) model is an example of a network model of memory, and it is the prevailing connectionist approach today.
    • Taking its metaphors from the field of computer science, this model stresses the parallel nature of neural processing.
    • "Parallel processing" is a computing term; unlike serial processing (performing one operation at a time), parallel processing allows hundreds of operations to be completed at once—in parallel.
    • Under PDP, neural networks are thought to work in parallel to change neural connections to store memories.
    • Neurons that fire together frequently (which occurs when a particular behavior or mental process is  engaged many times) have stronger connections between them.

  • Functions of the Cerebellum in Integrating Movements

    • The cerebellum differs from most other parts of the brain in that the signal processing is almost entirely feedforward, that is, signals move unidirectionally through the system from input to output, with very little recurrent internal transmission.
    • Signals enter the circuit, are processed by each stage in sequential order, and then leave.
    • Thus, the cerebellar network receives a modest number of inputs, processes them very extensively through its rigorously structured internal network, and sends out the results via a very limited number of output cells.
    • Different modules share input from mossy fibers and parallel fibers, but in other respects they appear to function independently.
    • In a single cerebellar module, input from as many as a billion parallel fibers converges onto a group of less than 50 deep nuclear cells, and the influence of each parallel fiber on those nuclear cells is adjustable.

  • Combinations of Capacitors: Series and Parallel

    • Like any other form of electrical circuitry device, capacitors can be used in series and/or in parallel within circuits.
    • It is possible for a circuit to contain capacitors that are both in series and in parallel.
    • However, these are both in parallel with C3.
    • This image depicts capacitors C1, C2, and so on until Cn in parallel.
    • Calculate the total capacitance for the capacitors connected in series and in parallel

  • Force at an Angle to Displacement

    • A force does not have to, and rarely does, act on an object parallel to the direction of motion.
    • Up until now, we have assumed that any force acting on an object has been parallel to the direction of motion.
    • A force does not have to, and rarely does, act on an object parallel to the direction of motion.
    • This expression contains an assumed cosine term, which we do not consider for forces parallel to the direction of motion.
    • This process continues until we are perpendicular to our original direction of motion, such that the angle is 90, and the cosine term would equal zero; resulting in zero work being done along our original direction .

  • Resistors in Parallel

    • Resistors in a circuit can be connected in series or in parallel.
    • Therefore, for every circuit with $n$ number or resistors connected in parallel,
    • $R_{n \;(parallel)} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \frac{1}{R_3} ... + \frac{1}{R_n}.$
    • Three resistors connected in parallel to a battery and the equivalent single or parallel resistance.
    • Calculate the total resistance in the circuit with resistors connected in parallel

  • Modulation of Movement by the Cerebellum

    • However, the cerebellum can receive information from the cerebral cortex and processes this information to to send motor impulses to the skeletal muscle.
    • It receives input from thousands of parallel fibers, each individually very weak.
    • Feedforward processing: Refers to the unidirectional movement of signals through the system from input to output, with very little recurrent internal transmission.
    • Signals enter the circuit, are processed by each stage in sequential order, and then leave.
    • The influence of each parallel fiber on nuclear cells is adjustable.

  • Structural Parallelism Within a Sentence

    • But what is parallelism?
    • Parallel: We can pay with a mark, a yen, a buck, or a pound.
    • Parallel: This is a time not for words but for action.
    • In some instances, you must figure out which parts of the sentence are parallel in meaning before making them parallel in structure.
    • The title sentence is a non-parallel statement.

  • Functions of the Cerebellum

    • Cerebellar function was believed to be motor-specific, but newer findings suggest the cerebellum is also involved in higher brain processing.
    • Feedforward processing: The cerebellum differs from other parts of the brain (especially the cerebral cortex) in that the signal processing is almost entirely feedforward, that is, signals move unidirectionally through the system from input to output with very little recurrent internal transmission.
    • Signals enter the circuit, are processed by each stage in sequential order, and then leave.
    • This neural divergence is followed by parallel fiber outputs that converge onto 15 million Purkinje cells.
    • In a single cerebellar module, input from as many as a billion parallel fibers converge onto a group of less than 50 deep nuclear cells, and the influence of each parallel fiber on those nuclear cells is adjustable.

  • Combination Circuits

    • A combination circuit can be broken up into similar parts that are either series or parallel.
    • In that case, wire resistance is in series with other resistances that are in parallel.
    • In the initial image, the two circled sections show resistors that are in parallel.
    • The next step shows that the circled two resistors are in parallel.
    • This combination of seven resistors has both series and parallel parts.